The Occupational Therapy Psychosocial Assessment of Learning (OT PAL) Version 2.0, 1999

Authors: Sally Townsend, Paula D. Carey, Nancy L. Hollins, Christine Helfrich, Melinda Blondis, Amanda Hoffman, Lara Collins, Julie Knudson, and Angela Blackwell

     Understanding a student's psychosocial development in relation to their learning environment is essential when evaluating occupational performance in a school setting. By involving the student, their teacher, and their parents, therapists can gather comprehensive information about the student and their interaction with their physical and social environment.

     The OT PAL is an observational and descriptive assessment tool that assesses a student's volition (ability to make choices), habituation (roles and routines), and environmental fit within the classroom setting. The OT PAL targets students between the ages of 6-12 years old in elementary school who are experiencing difficulty meeting functional expectations and roles in the classroom which may affect learning.

     To see an example of the items on the “OT PAL Summary Table”, click here. (PDF file.)

     To see an example of the “OT PAL Student Interview Guide”, click here. (PDF file.)

     The manual includes a “Pre-observation and Environmental Description Form”, “OT PAL” assessment form, “Summary Table”, and “OT PAL Narrative Report” form. Student, teacher, and parent interview guides are provided, as well as a take home parent interview. Two case studies demonstrate the use of the assessment. All forms are reproducible.

This assessment is discussed and illustrated with a case in chapter 18 of The Model Of Human Occupation: Theory and Application (Kielhofner, 2008).

Additional information (references, research, and clinical discussion regarding this assessment) can be found in the Evidence-Based Practice section of this website by selecting this assessment.