Tea with the OT: From Paperwork to Peace of Mind

If you’ve ever sat through an evaluation for your child, you know that a "deep breath" is exactly what you need afterward. Usually, you’re handed a 15-page report filled with numbers, percentages, and clinical jargon. It can feel like reading a foreign language.

Today, I want to show you how to turn that mountain of paperwork into a one-page "Cheat Sheet" that helps your child thrive in the real world.

Why the "Big Report" Isn't Enough

First, let’s validate what you’re feeling: Those reports are heavy. While long reports are necessary for insurance companies to approve services, they aren't actually built for your daily life. If your child starts a new activity, joins a new classroom, or meets a new babysitter, those people shouldn't have to read a "novel" to understand how to help your child succeed.

The Four Things Every Caregiver Should Know

When you look at that evaluation, I want you to ignore the percentages for a second and look for these four things:

1. Superpowers & Joys: What does the report say your child is great at? Look for the parts that describe what they can do. What makes them light up?

2. Success Secrets (The Supports): What did the provider use to get your child to participate? Maybe it was a visual timer, a specific type of seating, or a "first/then" board. These are the tools you can use at home.

3. The Roadmap (The Big 3 Goals): What are the things we actually care about for the next few months? Instead of "increasing range of motion," think: "Climbing the stairs at the park safely."

4. The Game Plan: What is the one thing you can do at home this week that feels doable? If the recommendation doesn't fit your family's routine, it’s okay to ask for a pivot.

Introducing: The Eval Navigator

I’ve created a tool called the Eval Navigator to help you organize this information. It’s a simple, one-page template that keeps the "gold" and your care team's contact info in one spot.

Don't Forget the "Question Corner"

One of the most important parts of being the "CEO" of your child's care is feeling confident enough to ask questions. It is okay to be confused by clinical terms like vestibular or praxis.

Write those confusing words down in your "Question Corner." At your next session, ask your therapist:

"How does this clinical finding impact our morning routine at home?"

That one question turns a data point into a helpful conversation.

Your "One Small Action" for Today

You don’t have to tackle the whole report at once. Here is my challenge for you:

1. Grab a highlighter. 2. Find one strength and one goal in that report that makes you feel excited or hopeful.

2. Write them on a Post-it note and stick it on your fridge.

It’s a simple reminder that your child is so much more than a score, they are a person with a plan.

Let’s Chat

At the end of the day, you are the expert on your child. These reports are just tools to help us support you. When we simplify the plan, we make more room for the joy of just being a family.

• What is one thing about your child that wasn't in their last report but you wish everyone knew? Tell me in the comments, I love hearing about those unique highlights!

  
  

• Ready to simplify? Download the Eval Navigator Template Here to help you lead your child's team with confidence! 🐝✨