When School Suggests OT: What That Really Means (and When to Consider Scribble 2 Script Instead)
It’s parent-teacher conference season—the time when you get a glimpse into your child’s classroom world: the progress, the praise, and sometimes…the concerns.
If you’ve ever heard your child’s teacher say, “You might want to look into OT,” you’re not alone. And while those words can spark worry, they’re actually a valuable clue.
At Scribble 2 Script, we hear this story all the time. A child is bright and capable but struggles to get words on paper, hold their pencil properly, stay focused, or keep up with peers. The teacher suggests occupational therapy—but the truth is, what your child really needs might look a little different.
What Teachers Really Mean When They Recommend OT
When teachers mention OT, they’re simply noticing that something about your child’s foundation for learning seems off. It might show up as:
- Messy handwriting or uneven letter size
- Trouble sitting still or staying focused
- Clumsiness during classroom or playground activities
- Difficulty following multi-step directions
- Emotional frustration over schoolwork
Teachers see the symptoms—but not always the cause. And that’s okay! They’re flagging something worth exploring, not diagnosing it.
Traditional OT vs. Scribble 2 Script: Not an Apples-to-Apples Comparison
Here’s where many parents get confused. Scribble 2 Script was developed by an occupational therapist—our founder, Megan Eldridge, OTR/L—but we don’t provide occupational therapy services.
Instead, we offer targeted developmental programs designed to get to the root cause of skill delays.
Think of traditional OT like a wide-angle lens: it supports many areas of life—feeding, dressing, sensory needs, and more. School OT, in particular, focuses on access to education and typically offers short sessions once or twice a week.
Scribble 2 Script, on the other hand, uses a zoom lens. We focus intensely on the neurological and motor foundations that make learning easier—skills like:
- Bilateral coordination
- Reflex integration
- Oculomotor control
- Fine motor precision
- Handwriting and visual-motor integration
This precision allows us to make meaningful progress in less time and provide families with a clear, structured plan for success.
Why This Matters—Especially Now
At this point in the school year, teachers are seeing patterns: who’s keeping up and who’s quietly struggling. For some children, their brains and bodies simply aren’t communicating efficiently yet.
When we uncover and correct those invisible skills, everything else—focus, handwriting, confidence—clicks into place.
It’s not about doing more therapy.
It’s about doing the right kind of developmental work.
A Parent Story: The Gray Area Kiddo
One of our Scottsdale families came to us after a conference just like yours. Their second-grader’s teacher mentioned OT because of messy handwriting and frustration during writing tasks. He often pressed too hard on his pencil, his letters floated off the lines, and by the end of an assignment, his hand was tired—and so was he.
When we evaluated him, we discovered something deeper: several unintegrated primitive reflexes and asymmetrical coordination patterns were making fine-motor control much harder than it should be. His brain and body weren’t working in sync, so simple tasks felt like uphill battles.
Through targeted reflex integration and bilateral activities, we helped re-establish those foundational brain-body connections. Over the next few months, his pencil control improved, his grip relaxed, and his posture became more upright and stable. The biggest change, though, wasn’t just on paper—it was in his attitude. The daily fights over homework faded, replaced by quiet confidence and pride in his work.
When to Reach Out for Extra Support
If your child’s teacher mentioned OT—or if school tasks seem harder than they should—trust your instincts. You know your child best.
That’s where we come in.
At Scribble 2 Script, we specialize in uncovering the why behind the struggle and helping children build the skills (and confidence) they need to thrive.
If you’d like personalized guidance for your child, you can:
📞 Call us at 480-614-1232
📅 Or schedule a free discovery call
The Bottom Line
A teacher’s suggestion for OT isn’t a red flag—it’s a starting point. And with the right support, your child can go from frustrated to flourishing.
At Scribble 2 Script, we don’t just treat symptoms—we build strong foundations so kids can thrive with less friction and more confidence, for life.
Ready to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface?
👉 Book your evaluation today or call 480-614-1232 to get started.
