What feedback should I be getting from my OT?

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My 4.5 yo was diagnosed with autism/Aspergers in March, and he has been seeing an OT for 1 hr/week since April. While I appreciate her time with him, and I see the purpose in a lot of the activities she explains to me, I am a bit frustrated b/c each week seems to be a random series of activities. Also, I have received no written evaluations from her, and I get just verbal feedback each week. Sometimes the feedback will be pointing out to me areas he struggles with, sometimes she will suggest specific activities to do at home through the week, but sometimes it's just, "Nice to see you, have a good week." Generally it feels scattered.

I think OT is very helpful for his fine motor skills, balance, and sensory issues, but I also think that between the time investment and the $90/week out-of-pocket I should be getting more specific direction on where to spend our time at home, how he is progressing, etc. Am I off base here? Any experienced input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Shelly

Hi there! I have no experience, yet, with OT input for my son, but he does spend an hour a week with a Speech and Language Therapist at school. I receive regular verbal and written updates from the SLT. In addition, after discussing things with me, she writes to me to confirm the key points discussed and the areas she will be focussing on with my son and an outline of the types of activities she will be undertaking with him. This means that I know what is happening and why, and she has provided information for me so that I can use the same strategies with him at home.

I'm in the UK and don't pay for any of this as it is provided free on the National Health Service. If I were paying for it then I would certainly be looking for written information and guidance as to how you can work with your son at home.

Why don't you write to the OT explaining your concerns and that you wish to receive a written response detailing progress and action to date, with additional material for you to make use of at home. You could say that you feel it would be helpful for you all to have regular written reviews.

We have a fabulous OT but my daughter has been going 2 years and so our communication is pretty good. I would suggest you call her and ask her your son's progress and goals. There should always be goals they are working towards and there should always be an assessment periodically to see if the goals are being met. At home you can be utilizing activities from a book such as The Out of Sync Child Has Fun. The OT should probably be giving you activities to do at home and be giving you feedback on the sessions. Are you seeing improvement from the sessions?

She needs to complete a sensory profile and monitor his progress. Ask for whatever testing she has done.