How to Find the Right OT

If your child is under age 3, she is eligible for evaluation and services (usually free) through your state’s Early Intervention program. In addition to OT, your child may eligible to receive physical therapy, speech language therapy, special education and other services. When your child “ages out” of EI at age 3, your EI service coordinator will help you transition to services through your local school system.
Ask your local school district/school board for an evaluation by an OT if your child is over age three. Because many schools don’t recognize sensory problems, notify them of any developmental delays or diagnoses. Should “related services” such as OT be recommended, the school must provide this service at no charge. The administrator you deal with may be unaware of a particular OT’s expertise. While there are many wonderful OTs working in the schools with strong backgrounds in sensory processing, others may focus on handwriting and motor skills. We suggest you politely insist that the OT have in-depth expertise in sensory processing issues.
You always have the option to hire an OT privately. Depending on your insurance plan, you may get coverage for OT of your choice. Or you may be asked to choose from plan-approved providers, rarely specialists in pediatric sensory issues (many OTs specialize in physical rehabilitation, for example).
Ask your pediatrician or local parent advocacy center for a referral.
SPD Foundation has a resource directory of OTs, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, and others who specialize in children with sensory issues.
In Canada, go to OT Works and click on “OT Finder.”
Western Psychological Services lists some therapists in the U.S. and elsewhere who are certified to perform the Sensory Integration Praxis Test (SIPT). While you may not want to pay the very high fee for a SIPT evaluation, it may be possible to get treatment from a SIPT-certified therapist.
Join an SPD/SI support group through Yahoo Groups (search for “sensory integration” and “sensory processing disorder”) and ask members for recommendations for OTs in your area.
The American Occupational Therapy Association may be able to help you find a local OT. The AOTA website also lists accredited university programs and provides links to state OT associations. The state contact person may be able to put you in touch with an OT who specializes in sensory issues.

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