About Occupational Therapy Independent Educational Evaluations
An Occupational Therapy Independent Educational Evaluation (OT IEE) is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a qualified, neutral specialist who is not employed by your child’s school district. The goal is to determine how a student’s fine motor skills, sensory processing, regulation, motor planning, and functional school abilities impact their access to the curriculum.
At Comprehensive Assessment Services (CAS), OT IEEs are completed by credentialed occupational therapists with extensive school-based experience. Evaluations are overseen by Donald Ghrist, LEP (#2703), bringing over 25 years of expertise in special education assessment and IEP development.
When Should You Request an OT IEE?
Parents may request an OT IEE when they feel the school’s occupational therapy assessment did not fully capture their child’s needs or when additional clarity is required to support IEP decisions.
- Your child struggles with handwriting, drawing, scissor use, or classroom fine motor tasks
- Your child displays sensory sensitivities or regulation challenges
- Functional school tasks (zipping, buttoning, grasp patterns) are difficult
- Motor coordination or visual-motor integration concerns persist
- You disagree with the school district’s OT assessment or service recommendations
CAS provides detailed, defensible OT reports accepted by districts statewide. Learn more about how our OT IEE process works.
The OT IEE Process
Our OT evaluations follow a clear, structured, and student-centered process to ensure accuracy, transparency, and meaningful recommendations for IEP teams.
1️⃣ Request
Parents or districts provide a signed IEE agreement. We confirm areas of concern and schedule your child’s OT evaluation.
2️⃣ Evaluation
A credentialed OT conducts standardized testing, sensory profiles, observations, and functional task assessments—either in person or virtually.
3️⃣ Analysis
Results are reviewed and interpreted across fine motor skills, sensory processing, motor planning, coordination, and school-based functional abilities.
4️⃣ Delivery
A detailed report and IEP-ready recommendations are provided within 30 days, including an optional parent or team feedback meeting.
Turnaround Time: Most OT IEEs are delivered within 30 days of the final assessment session.
The CAS Difference
CAS provides independent, high-quality OT evaluations rooted in accuracy, ethics, and compassion. Our goal is to help every student access their education with confidence and support.
✅ Independent & Unbiased
We are not affiliated with school districts. Our recommendations serve only the student’s best interests.
🧠 Expertise Across Disciplines
OT, PT, SLP, ABA, and psychoeducational specialists collaborate for a complete picture of student needs.
⚡ Fast 30-Day Turnaround
Families and districts depend on our timely, defensible reports to guide IEP planning.
🤝 Compassionate Communication
We communicate clearly, respectfully, and with a focus on supporting the entire IEP team.
About Donald Ghrist, LEP
Donald Ghrist, LEP (#2703) brings over 25 years of experience in educational psychology, assessment, and special education leadership. He oversees every evaluation at CAS to ensure quality, accuracy, and objectivity.
Donald has served as a Coordinator of Special Education, school psychologist, and founder of a nonpublic school specializing in autism support. His background allows him to bridge clinical expertise with practical IEP problem-solving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an OT IEE evaluate?
Fine motor skills, sensory processing, motor planning, handwriting, classroom functional tasks, regulation, and coordination.
How long does an OT IEE take?
Most OT IEEs are completed within 30 days from the last assessment session.
Will the school accept the OT IEE?
Yes. CAS evaluations meet all state and federal criteria required for IEP consideration.
Do you conduct observations?
Yes. School, home, or virtual observations can be included depending on the referral questions.
How do I start the process?
Complete our OT IEE Intake Form or visit our Contact Page for assistance.
Request an Occupational Therapy IEE
CAS provides thorough, accurate, and compassionate OT evaluations designed to support IEP teams and empower students across California.