Occupational therapy (OT) is a type of therapy that helps people of all ages achieve their goals of being able to engage in the activities that are most important to them. Occupational therapists work with individuals who have physical, cognitive, emotional, or developmental challenges that impact their ability to perform daily activities such as self-care, work, leisure, and social participation.
OT focuses on the whole person and their environment, taking into consideration their unique strengths, challenges, and goals. The therapist will evaluate the individual's abilities and challenges in various areas, such as mobility, strength, coordination, sensory processing, cognitive functioning, and emotional regulation. Based on this assessment, they will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include activities designed to improve the person's skills, adapt the environment, modify tasks, and promote independence.
Some common areas of focus in occupational therapy include: