What is the appropriate response for an occupational therapist if a child is not meeting established therapy goals?

Modifying the child's intervention plan based on progress is essential in occupational therapy, especially when a child is not meeting established goals. This approach aligns with the principles of client-centered care and evidence-based practice. It emphasizes the need to continuously assess and adapt treatment strategies based on a child's individual response to therapy.

When a child is not progressing as expected, it indicates that the current interventions might not be adequately addressing their specific needs. By making adjustments—whether that involves changing activities, techniques, or goals—the therapist can better align the therapy with the child's evolving capabilities and challenges. This individualized approach not only fosters improvement but also helps maintain the child's motivation and engagement in therapy.

It is also important to note that while increasing therapy frequency or changing the focus area may seem like viable options, they do not address the need for a detailed analysis of why the child is not meeting the goals in the first place. Communicating with parents about the child's challenges is also valuable, but it is part of a broader strategy that includes modifying the intervention plan as needed to optimize outcomes. Therefore, the most effective response is to tailor the intervention plan based on the child's current progress.