Occupational Therapy

What is an Occupational Therapist?

Occupational therapists are often misunderstood due to their name. Although they do not directly assist a person in locating an occupation, they do concern themselves with improving a person's occupational performance. Depending on a person's age or lifestyle, one's performance can vary greatly.

Occupational therapists use a knowledge base of neurology, anatomy, physiology, psychology, psychosocial development, child development, task analysis and therapeutic techniques to treat a client holistically. The setting in which this takes place can vary from a hospital setting to a private office, from a preschool to a nursing home. Diversity and flexibility are necessary components within the field of occupational therapy.

Occupational therapy is therapy based on performing the meaningful activities of daily life (self-care skills, education, work, or social interaction), especially to enable or enhance participation in such activities despite impairments or limitations in physical or mental functioning. Occupational therapy is for individuals of all ages-to improve skills that help them perform daily tasks at home and at school, at work and at play.

Within the school system, occupational therapy helps children facing physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges that affect their school performance, socialization, and health. School-based occupational therapy assessment and intervention focuses on certain areas:

• Activities of daily living (caring for self-needs such as eating, dressing, and toilet habits)
• Education (achieving in the learning environment)
• Play (interacting with age-appropriate toys, games, equipment and activities)
• Social participation (developing appropriate relationships and engaging in behavior that doesn't interfere with learning or social relationships)
• Work (developing interests and skills necessary for transition to community life after graduation)

In a pediatric setting, the occupational therapist deals with clients whose occupation is usually playing, at home or at school. With older clients the focus could be on improving their performance in daily like tasks such as domestic, work and leisure time activities.