Evanston, Illinois
The progress report from District 65 says your child is meeting her IEP goals. But at home you're still fighting through coat zippers at pickup, meltdowns when tags touch her neck, and calls from the afterschool program because she won't join group activities. School OT is doing its job, for school. The rest of the day is where families need more.
Your therapist
Laura O'Brien, OTR/L has spent more than thirty years helping families like yours close the gap between school progress and real life. She doesn't just treat your child. She teaches you what to do between sessions so you see changes at home, at the park, and in the daily routines that matter most to your family in Evanston.
That's why parents keep coming back: you leave every visit understanding why your child responds the way they do and what you can do about it starting tonight.
Last reviewed: April 2026
What parents tell Laura
These aren't behavior problems. They're signs your child may be working through sensory processing, motor planning, or other foundational skills that affect life beyond the classroom.
Understanding your options
District 65 has nine occupational therapists across all elementary and middle schools. They provide pull-out sessions and push-in classroom support through your child's IEP. Your child might get 30 minutes weekly focusing on handwriting, scissors skills, or sensory regulation during school tasks.
Brushing teeth. Getting dressed. Tolerating haircuts. Playing with siblings. Joining sports teams. Managing sensory needs at home. School OT addresses educational impact only. When IEP goals are met, services end. But you're still dealing with two-hour bedtime battles and Saturday meltdowns at soccer.
That's where private OT fills the gap. Laura works on the life skills that matter at home and in your Evanston community. Many families use both school and private OT. They cover different ground.
In-person and Zoom
Your child bounces on an exercise ball while practicing letter formation. Laura guides you through hand-strengthening games using Play-Doh and clothespins from your kitchen. You learn why deep pressure before homework helps your sensory seeker focus.
Twenty minutes from Evanston. Your child climbs, swings, and crashes in ways that organize their nervous system. We practice tying shoes on a bench that moves slightly, building balance and coordination together. You watch, ask questions, and leave with strategies for the week.
Either way, you leave every session knowing exactly what to do between appointments.
Parent strategies
Before homework: Have your child do 10 wall push-ups. Stand arm's length from the wall, hands flat, push in and out slowly. This heavy work wakes up the proprioceptive system and often improves pencil control and sitting tolerance.
During teeth brushing: Let your child hold a vibrating toothbrush against their palm for 30 seconds first. The vibration provides alerting input that can reduce oral sensitivity and make actual brushing less overwhelming.
Common questions
School OT focuses on classroom success. If your child struggles with daily routines at home, has difficulty with community activities, or needs more intensive sensory support than school provides, private OT can help. Many families use both to cover different parts of their child's day.
Yes. Many Evanston families choose telehealth for convenience. Laura mails you specific materials and guides you through activities using household items. Zoom works well for families juggling Northwestern work schedules or multiple children. Some families alternate between Zoom and monthly in-person visits.
Trust your instincts. If daily tasks feel harder than they should, if your child avoids certain activities, or if sensory issues interfere with family life, an evaluation can help. Red flags: difficulty with self-care compared to peers, extreme reactions to textures or sounds, poor coordination, avoiding playground equipment.
Getting started
Start with a free screening form to help Laura understand your child's needs. Many Evanston families come to Laura after District 65 Child Find screenings, wondering about next steps beyond school services. Call with questions about how private OT can work alongside your child's school program.