An occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant work as a team along with other IEP team members to help students with sensory, fine motor, oral motor or self-help needs to increase their participation and independence in daily activities. 

• Sensory needs are described as behaviors that affect attention, movement and participation in classroom activities or other school based activities such as assemblies, specials, etc.

• Fine motor needs are described as having difficulty with cutting paper, having illegible handwriting on classroom paper and difficulty with using fingers and hands to hold or manipulate classroom items such as pencils, containers, etc.

• Self-help needs include having difficulty with dressing/undressing, difficulty with using eating utensils and difficulty with manipulating fasteners on clothing.

• Oral motor needs include chewing on inedible objects, difficulty with eating a varied diet of foods and drooling.