NBCOT Occupational Therapy Certification Practice Exam

Focusing on a parent's concerns and goals for the child is essential during the initial data collection phase when assessing a toddler with spina bifida. This approach not only establishes rapport with the family but also ensures that the occupational therapy interventions are aligned with the family's priorities and expectations. Parents often have invaluable insights into their child's daily challenges, strengths, and motivations, which can significantly inform the assessment process.

Understanding the parent's perspective allows the occupational therapist to tailor interventions that are meaningful and relevant to the child’s everyday life. It also empowers the family and fosters a collaborative relationship, which is crucial for the child's overall development and the effectiveness of the therapy. By prioritizing the family's concerns, the therapist can ensure that they address functional goals that are most impactful for the child's health and well-being.

In this context, while medical management, equipment needs, and the physical layout of the home are important aspects to consider, they come secondary to hearing the family's voice and incorporating their goals into the therapeutic process.