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One typical question asked by parents is what's the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy services offered through schools as a relevant special education service? Both therapies are related services to special education and are offered as long as the child needs therapy to function in the academic environment. The role of physical therapist and an occupational therapist is to help a independent functioning and minimize the ramifications of a disability on his/her power to participate in the educational setting and approach. The following is just a general reaction to the difference between the two.

Physical Therapy (PT ): stresses the acquisition of basic motor skills necessary for functional mobility about the school setting in addition to the physical potential for participating with friends during recess and education. Aspects of focus for the institution physical counselor include:

- Gross motor skills: activities that use large muscles

- Mobility skills: moving correctly through the school setting, including entering and leaving the school bus

- Postural get a grip on and alignment had a need to perform school activities and for growing freedom in life skills

Occupational therapy (OT ): emphasizes the acquisition of or payment for useful performance skills needed by students throughout their educational experience:

- Fine motor skills: small, quickly coordinated hand movements

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- Visual perceptual skills: the ability to understand and interpret what is seen

- Visual motor skills: the ability to organize visual skills and motor skills

- Self care skills: feeding, attire, hygiene, and toileting skills for increasing freedom in necessary life skills

Both physical and occupational therapists might address the next areas:

- Strength and endurance

- Human body consciousness

- Class room setting and variations

- Sensory motor skills necessary for participation within an educational program

Physical therapists and occupational therapists have similar education. Occupational therapists receive more training in verbal and hand skill treatments and physical therapists receive more training gross motor and postural development.