Implementing School-Based Occupational Therapy Services: A Multi-Tired Approach to Sensory Processing Needs

by Aimee Piller

Overview

This book focuses on providing occupational therapy sensory interventions through a tiered approach to help improve academic participation, covering assessment of the sensory aspects of the environment and population as well as at the group level.

Chapters showcase how occupational therapy practitioners can effectively contribute to each tier of the MTSS framework, with an emphasis on Tiers 1 and 2. The book also provides evidence-based methods to monitor outcomes of provided interventions and discuss how and when to modify the interventions, and highlights innovative strategies to support a broad range of students, especially those who may need additional assistance but do not qualify for specialized services.

While there are many reasons students might require support, this book zeroes in on sensory processing challenges and their impact on classroom participation and academic performance. By addressing these needs, occupational therapy practitioners can foster a more inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environment for every student.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032654744
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/03/2025
Pages:	230
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Aimee Piller, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA is the owner and director of Piller Child Development, an outpatient pediatric therapy company with three locations in the greater Phoenix area. She is a practicing occupational therapist with almost 20 years of experience in a variety of pediatric settings including outpatient home health, and schools.

Table of Contents

Introduction  1. A Brief Review of Legislation Guiding School-Based Occupational Therapy Practice  2. Sensory Processing and Its Impact on Education  3. Multi-tiered System of Support and Occupational Therapy and Sensory Needs  4. Assessing the Need for Sensory Interventions  5. Designing Interventions to Address Sensory Processing Needs  6. Evaluating Outcomes of Interventions  7. Working with a Multidisciplinary Team  8. Changing the Service Model: Facilitating Lasting Change

Editorial Reviews

A must-read for anyone in the school setting, Implementing School-Based Occupational Therapy Services: A Multi-Tiered Approach to Sensory Processing Needs offers practical strategies to address sensory challenges. Dr. Piller combines research-based insights with real-world applications, making complex concepts accessible. This book empowers occupational therapy practitioners to support all children, fostering inclusive classrooms and promoting independence. Informative and inspiring, it’s an essential resource for school personnel.”

Lauren Andelin, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University.

“This is a must read for all school-based occupational therapists and should be required reading in occupational therapy pediatric coursework. Gone are the days of occupational therapists solely providing direct fine motor interventions in the school setting. Occupational therapy must be prepared to provide all forms of occupational therapy to address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs under a multi-tiered system and this book provides a guideline for how to implement such strategies. It provides the necessary background to understand the need for providing appropriate services, how to evaluate for services, and usable strategies to implement at each level. The author clearly has strong knowledge of sensory-based approaches and how to implement them in the school setting.”

Jessica McHugh Conlin, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, OT with 25 years of experience in school-based practice.

From the Publisher