OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY We each are born to perform our daily occupations. We perform these occupations in our capacity as someone’s children, parents, siblings, friends, or professionals such as teachers or news anchors.

We sail through our days doing things to play our required roles in our family, social, and work lives. But for some of us, it’s hard to perform the most mundane tasks for reasons that are sometimes too implicit in being readily understandable.

Everyone deserves independence in leading their lives naturally. And those who can’t need compassionate professional assistance – occupation therapy.

Before understanding what this therapy is, and how does it help people perform their occupations better, it is essential to note that seeking help makes no one weak!

What is occupational therapy? 

Occupational therapy is what the name says: therapeutic services for everyday activities- occupations. It is a treatment for young and old alike, which helps people lacking in or with affected motor function, sensory processing, self-regulation, etc.

This therapy is not just a standard treatment for injuries inflicted by accidents. It differs for each per their needs.

For a child, the therapy will evaluate his/her district needs and challenges or any other particular conditions and cater to them accordingly. 

An occupational therapist orchestrates a series of activities to help a person. It can include tasks like:

• Taking care of oneself (self-dressing)
• Writing your thoughts; taking notes 
• Balancing a pencil on your finger
• Throwing and catching a ball
• Organizing your room, books or your closet
• Responding to a sensory stimulus 

How can it help?

It can empower people helping them fulfill their dreams and milestones they want to conquer despite their illness, injury, or disability. It can help the people struggling to live a better, healthier life for mind and body alike.

Who might need it?

These are a few examples to help understand the people in need of this therapy process:

• A child with autism in need of help getting by with daily life skills. These tasks include dressing, walking, running, hand-eye coordination, core strengthening, feeding, and much more.

• A teenager experiencing ADHD who has problem focusing, completing a task, or even social cues.

• An adult with any anxiety and depression may need to recover from their past traumatic experience to improve their mental health.

• An older person encountering weakness in the body due to a stroke or merely old age. The elderly lacking in strength, endurance, and mobility to perform even simple tasks.

 

Occupational therapy for children with autism

The goal of the therapist here is to improve skills like motor function, sensory and behavioral regulation, etc., for the children experiencing ASD or other developmental disabilities. All the special environment needs to be kept in mind while creating a unique plan for a special individual.

This therapy can be beneficial for children with autism; it can help them perform better at school.

Nowadays, schools offer OT as a part of their education for kids experiencing autism.

How to find an occupational therapist? 

Occupational therapy is conducted in various places, including schools, hospitals, mental health facilities, rehabs, and private clinics, etc.

If you require this therapy for someone:

• Consult your doctor and ask for a referral to a specialist.

• Reach out to the school guidance counselor. It may help narrow down the student’s unique quality.

• Academic and social needs.

• Go to a nearby hospital or a rehabilitation facility.

• Visit websites like the American Occupational Therapy Association to find help.

The Takeaway

Independence in our daily lives defines our thinking, vision, emotions, and our take on life. If someone struggles in performing the most trivial occupations, they need professional help.

Occupational therapy can change someone’s life. It can give them the independence and confidence they wished they had. Remember, compassionate support empowers!