What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?
Occupational therapy (OT) is an evidenced-based profession utilizing a holistic approach to consider all components of the individual and their goals. OT focuses on increasing an individual’s capacity and/or modifies the environment and activities for greater participation. OT utilizes direct observation, assessment conducting and analysis of results between the child’s development and the environment.
Occupational therapy provides family-centered services to incorporate support and to strengthen satisfaction, well-being, child performance and caregiver carryover/skills. The practice utilizes modeling, play-based activities, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and social toys to improve cooperative play and promote social outcomes.
Practitioners work with children and their families to promote active participation in their environment and additional meaningful occupations. A child’s occupation is to play and learn, develop life skills, be creative and to thrive. Recommended interventions are based on a thorough understanding of typical development, the child’s environment, and the impact of the disability on their development and overall occupational performance.
Occupational therapy is an appropriate approach for children with developmental disabilities. OT programs assist in targeting concerns such as…
- Daily living skills
- Fine & gross motor skills
- Praxis difficulties
- Play skills
- Social sills
- Sensory difficulties
