What The F--- Is Occupational Therapy?

as explained by an OT student

To put it simply, occupational therapists help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations).

An "occupation" does not necessarily mean a job or work. It is any activity a person does or wants to do.

People who may benefit from occupational therapy include someone who has had a stroke, people with autism and other developmental disorders, people recovering from surgeries, people who suffer from depression or anxiety, as well as veterans and the elderly. ANYONE!

Occupational Therapists work in many settings: hospitals, schools, nursing homes, rehab facilities, and with clients in their own homes.

Occupational therapy helps people recover or develop skills needed for the activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs can include self care, cooking, driving, shopping, and medication management.

Occupational therapists help children to participate fully in school and play by working on things like pencil grip, social skills, learning techniques, and introducing adaptive equipment.

OTs analyze activities to determine required body functions and environmental factors, and then break them down into manageable steps.

A simple task such as counting money may require cognitive abilities, vision, fine motor skills, and attention to the task. These are all areas OTs are trained to work in.

For more information on Occupational Therapy services contact your primary care physician.

Or check out the American Occupational Therapy Association at www.AOTA.org