26/03/2026
Sensory Profiles, MDTs, and the Magic of Small Wins.
If you walked into my office today, youโd probably see a colorful explosion of weighted blankets, chewy fidgets, and a very large stack of sensory profiling reports. As we approach the end of the term, the pace at a school for students with ADHD and Autism doesn't just "pick up", it accelerates into a beautiful, chaotic whirlwind.
Today was one of those days that felt like a marathon, but the kind where youโre actually energised at the finish line. Hereโs a peek behind the curtain of what a busy day in Occupational Therapy (OT) looks like.
I spent the better part of my morning finalising Sensory Profiling Reports for our end-of-term reviews. In our world, these aren't just checkboxes; they are the "instruction manuals" for how our students experience the world.
When a student has a meltdown, itโs rarely just "bad behavior." Often, itโs because the fluorescent lights are humming at a frequency that feels like a physical blow, or the transition from the noisy lunchroom to the quiet classroom is too jarring for their nervous system. Mapping out these sensitivities helps us create environments where they can actually thrive, rather than just survive.
Looking Ahead: New Referrals
Between reports, I pivoted to reviewing new referrals. This is always a bittersweet part of the job. Itโs a reminder of how many families are seeking support, but itโs also the start of a new puzzle.
Reading through a child's history, Iโm looking for the "why" behind the "what."
โจ Why is this student struggling with handwriting? Is it fine motor delay or a postural stability issue?
โจ Why are they constantly moving? Are they seeking vestibular input to help them focus?
Getting these first steps right is crucial for setting them up for success the moment they walk through our doors.
The highlight of the day was attending the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meeting. This is where the magic happens. Sitting around a table (and a few laptop screens) with the teachers, we discussed the implementation of OT plans for our current cohort.
Thereโs something incredibly rewarding about the moment a teacher says, "We tried that sensory break you suggested, and he was able to sit through the entire math lesson for the first time." Itโs a reminder that we aren't working in silos. We are building a scaffolding of support around these kids.
Itโs been a long day. My brain is a bit fried from analyzing data, and my coffee went cold three hours ago. But as I pack up my bag, Iโm thinking about the student who finally found a "calm-down" strategy that works for them, and the new student weโre about to help.
In a school like this, progress isn't always measured in high test scores, itโs measured in self-regulation, confidence, and comfort. And that makes every busy minute worth it.
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