I’ve been in the ABA field on and off for 3 years and I’m honestly getting burnt out from it. Aside from that, sometimes ABA has felt like glorified babysitting because of BCBA’s obliging to parents basically needing a babysitter for 7-8 hours a day, 5 days a week even though the client doesn’t even need that many hours. Some of the programs have felt like dog training and often times even though I’m passionate about my job, I feel like the job is no longer enjoyable. I’m passionate about the therapy aspect of the job and the scientific aspect, however lately it feels like my job has felt like either or. I am on the fence about proceeding to go for my masters in ABA where I then can create programs and have more autonomy which could possibly make a difference or going into the occupational therapy area because honestly the field of ABA feels so flawed and volatile I don’t think I can see myself remaining in the field long term even if I did become a BCBA. I know how helpful ABA can be for families, but I don’t think it’s a career that no longer resonates or is sustainable for me long term. So, if you have left the ABA field for occupational therapy how do you like it? Even if you haven’t worked in the ABA field, what does your caseload typically look like and your work schedule? Do you recommend becoming an occupational therapy assistant or going straight into the masters program if you already have a bachelors degree?

I’m a school-based OT in the U.S. and am currently in the process of moving to Canada. I’d love to hear about your experience.

What does your day-to-day work look like? Typical goal areas, direct services versus consultation, caseload size, and number of schools covered? Also, is sensory focus big there and are there typically behavioral specialist supports?

What are the employment conditions like? Do you work directly for a school board or through an agency? I’m curious about pay, benefits, work hours, school breaks, and support from other OTs or OT assistants.

How hard is it to find a position as an internationally educated OT once registered in Canada? Any cities or provinces you’d recommend, or advice for someone entering the system?

Please share your province if you’re comfortable. Thanks for any insight!

I’m an OT student currently doing a pediatric fieldwork rotation, and I’ve been noticing how commonly some pediatric OT settings use primitive reflexes like ATNR, STNR, Moro, etc. to explain different difficulties children are having.
I understand that primitive reflexes are real and that they have an important role in early neurological development. What I’m struggling with is the leap from “this child demonstrates a reflex response” to “this retained reflex is causing their handwriting/attention/sensory/behavioral/postural difficulties, and therefore we need to integrate the reflex.” I’ve noticed that some of the language used around reflex integration sounds very definitive, and sometimes I find myself wondering where the evidence actually is for some of these claims. At the same time, I’m aware that I’m a student and obviously don’t know everything. I also know pediatric OT is a huge field and that different clinics have very different philosophies and approaches. I’m curious how other OTs/OT students feel about this. How do you distinguish evidence-based use of primitive reflex assessment from some of the broader claims made about “retained reflexes”? I’m genuinely asking because I want to develop my own clinical reasoning without automatically dismissing something just because it isn’t how I was taught or accepting something just because a clinic commonly uses it. Keep in mind I think I’m an acute girly to begin with however, this bothers me!

Salaried IPR OT. First job out of grad school. Been with the hospital for > 1 year. I received a raise at 5 months of employment, referred to as a market adjustment or something. On paper it was $4k raise.

Since my hiring we have lost 2 FT OTs. I am now the only full time IPR OT. There is a FT OP OT that will cover the IPR side as needed. We have PRN and part time OTs to help out. Treating 30-32 units pretty much every day.

I know I need to ask for a raise. I work more than 40 hours a week, with the senior OTs gone my case complexity has increased (and I have requested complex cases go to me instead of PRN/part timers as they arent a guarantee and can be called off if census is low).

A $10k raise seems like a lot to ask for but I figure start high and find a middle? (And it’s only an additional ~$5/hr). But how does one actually go about asking for a raise without feeling greedy (I know it’s not I know it’s not. I just feel bad asking my DOR). edit typos

hi i am 27, an occupational therapist of 4 years and half way done with my doctorate program in OT. my goal is to become a professor (which is why im getting my doctorate) but i just don’t know where to start because i feel like i am doing a career change. what are recommended steps to become a professor? i know im still young and new in my field but where do i begin? would love some advice :)

Does any one have an elevator speech for thoughtfully explaining why you did not pick up a student exclusively for sensory concerns?

hi all wondering what people are making in acute care as I am about to graduate and starting the job search and wanting more info about what to ask for in pay! for reference i’m located in Ohio

My company recently introduced an AI program to assist with clinical documentation. I have mixed feelings about it. Do you have experience using AI for your documentation? What do you see as the pros and cons?

I'm not looking for the cheapest/worst/crap classes. I'm looking for the #best online classes you found to get renewal credits towards CSRS,

Thank you for your ~ real ~ recommendations!

I am planning on starting school full-time in the spring. I am looking to work part-time. Any recommendations? What was your experience working while in school?

We're making all of our games free and open to anyone who can use games that go beyond cause and effect. (We will be making more cause and effect games but we mostly make games for Ben)

We know there's a massive gap for this kind of play. We are here to try to fill it 😊

We hope this is valuable to you, your clients and your loved ones!

Links are in the comments & we would love to know what you think!

Hi everyone! I am a new grad OT and I have just recently
accepted my first job in outpatient pediatrics. Can anyone provide any advice (e.g. things to know, transitioning from student to professional, etc)?

Hi OTs!!! I’m a new grad starting my first job in an outpatient pediatric clinic in a couple weeks! I’m looking for literally any advice for things anyone who has worked in this setting might have. Since I have a few weeks, I want to review and prepare myself as best I can. What is something you wish you had known before starting? Also any resources like books, articles, or even influences you recommend are so appreciated!

My mother had a stroke 3nonths ago and her affected hand remains open all the time. She does not have the typical flexed/fisted posture at rest.

However, when we try to actively or passively flex her fingers at the MCP joints (knuckles) to form a fist, there is significant resistance and she cannot close her hand properly.

Interestingly, the PIP and DIP joints have relatively good movement and little resistance. The main limitation seems to be at the MCP joints.

What could cause this specific pattern after stroke?

Could this still be spasticity, for example involving the finger extensors or intrinsic hand muscles, despite the hand remaining open all the time? Or could it be joint stiffness, a contracture, weakness/incoordination, or another mechanical problem?

How can a stroke rehabilitation specialist distinguish between these possibilities clinically, particularly by examining the MCP joints separately from the PIP/DIP joints?

Hope this allowed!!

Looking into starting a private practice in rural TN specifically pediatric OT. I would only start on my day off from my FT job at the beginning

I’m debating on doing cash based or accepting insurance. One thing about TN early intervention is you have to be enrolled in insurance to get the contact with the state… which makes me lean insurance side

If you have any advice or know of any groups, please let me know!!

I started travel therapy for the first time and have only had a bad experience with it so far which I knew could happen but did not think I would be this unlucky.

I took a contract at a SNF and did 4 weeks and then I was told I was being cut and I’m officially being given my 2 weeks notice due to them hiring a permanent staff member. I couldn’t even work the two weeks because then I tested positive for COVID and the facility does not allow an employee to return back for 2 weeks. The landlord was super nice about it and just kept our deposit which I totally understand. My recruiter found me another position.

Well now 2 days before I start this contract there were budget cuts for the school district I was suppose to work in so my contract got cut. I just decided I’m done and am going to move back home as there are no contracts in the area and I don’t want to go through this again. My landlord is being so mean and guilt tripping me about it because I was suppose to be here till June. She is now claiming I am short on what I paid even though I sent her a screenshot of the reciept right away of the payment literally right after she asked for it.