I see alot of websites with ideas on helping with sensory integration and sensory processing. Can I just follow this advice and skip the OT evaluation?
You need to decide what is best for you and your child. Some children may benefit from some generic advice whereas others really need an individualized intervention plan that is developed after a thorough evaluation is conducted. This is especially the case for preschoolers and school-aged children whose sensory processing problems are impacting their ability to function in the education setting, within their family, group sports, or their ability to socialize with their peers. Since sensory processing impacts motor skills, the older children with problems may also exhibit poor handwriting, dexterity, and balance as well as inattentiveness and impulsivity. They may also have a low self-esteem as they are likely to be the last child picked to play with the other children on the school playground and may be seen as a “problem” child due to behavior difficulties that may accompany the poor sensory processing.
