The underutilization of occupational therapy in transdisciplinary early intervention services

ABSTRACT

Early intervention (EI) services are mandated by Part C of The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004). The EI team, a multidisciplinary team overseen by individual states, is charged with providing family-centered services to support child development in the natural environment. This article examines the use of occupational therapy services in EI, perception of practitioners, and parents. In addition, the author considers how to increase the use of services in EI practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Early intervention
• occupational therapy
• transdisciplinary model