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What is an Occupational Therapist?

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Summary

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An occupational therapist helps people do the daily tasks they need and want to do, like dressing and cooking. They work with people with physical, mental, or developmental challenges to help them be more independent and successful in their daily activities.

Frequently Asked Question

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Who can benefit from occupational therapy?

Anyone who has difficulty performing daily tasks due to physical, mental, or developmental challenges can benefit from occupational therapy. This can include children with developmental delays, adults recovering from an injury, seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals with mental health conditions.

What is the role of an occupational therapist in a school setting?

In a school setting, an occupational therapist can work with students to improve their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and overall functional abilities. They can also provide support and guidance to teachers on ways to integrate therapy into the student’s daily routine.

How does occupational therapy differ from physical therapy?

Occupational therapy focuses on helping people improve their ability to perform daily tasks, while physical therapy focuses on helping people recover from injuries and improve their physical mobility. Both therapies complement each other and may be used together to help a patient achieve their goals.

Scientific Definition

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Occupational therapists are healthcare practitioners who assist individuals in performing daily tasks they value, such as dressing, cooking, and using the bathroom. They support those facing physical, mental, or developmental challenges that hinder these activities. By employing tailored exercises and activities, occupational therapists enhance skills and promote independence. They also introduce more manageable approaches and recommend helpful equipment or devices. From babies to older adults, they work with individuals of all ages in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. The ultimate objective of an occupational therapist is to empower people to lead their best lives by engaging in meaningful activities.

Real World Example of Occupation Therapist

Meet Susie, a bright and energetic 6-year-old who loves to explore and learn. Susie has difficulty with everyday tasks like tying her shoes and using scissors due to her fine motor challenges. Her parents decided to seek help from an occupational therapist, Ms. Johnson, to support Susie’s development and independence.

  • First Session:
    • Ms. Johnson warmly welcomes Susie to her colorful therapy room.
    • They play fun games that involve picking up small objects with tweezers to strengthen her hand muscles.
  • Second Session:
    • Ms. Johnson introduces Susie to a cool digital visual schedule, making daily routines more manageable.
    • They practice using adaptive techniques like special grips for scissors and shoelace aids.
  • Third Session:
    • Susie and Ms. Johnson explore sensory activities to improve her tactile responses.
    • They engage in cognitive games that boost Susie’s problem-solving skills.
  • Fourth Session:
    • Ms. Johnson recommends assistive devices like pencil grips and a visual timer for transitions.
    • They watch social skills videos together, helping Susie understand communication cues.

With Ms. Johnson’s support and dedication, Susie gains confidence and masters her tasks, embarking on a journey to a more independent and fulfilling life.

How Does An Occupational Therapist Work?

Occupational therapists use various methods to assist individuals in achieving their goals and improving daily activities. Here are some examples of how they work:

  • Personalized Approach: Occupational therapists create customized treatment plans based on individual needs and challenges.
  • Therapeutic Exercises: They incorporate specialized exercises to enhance motor skills and coordination.
  • Adaptive Strategies: Occupational therapists teach adaptive techniques to overcome obstacles and achieve tasks.
  • Equipment Recommendation: They suggest suitable assistive devices to make activities more manageable.
  • Home Environment Assessment: Occupational therapists evaluate the living space to ensure safety and accessibility.
  • Sensory Integration: They address sensory issues to improve processing and responses to stimuli.
  • Cognitive Training: Occupational therapists implement exercises to enhance cognitive abilities.
  • Emotional Support: They provide emotional support and coping strategies during the therapy process.

Occupational therapists work holistically, combining personalized strategies, exercises, adaptive techniques, and emotional support to help individuals reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. Goally’s tablet supports kids with occupational therapists through fun apps, teaching life & language skills like schedules, AAC, and gamified learning. It fosters independence, offering emotional regulation, executive functioning exercises, and social skills training videos.

 

This post was originally published on Feb. 11, 2023. It was updated on July 21, 2023.