Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability. Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment and/or task to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team. It is an evidence-based practice deeply rooted in science.
- AOTA
Occupational therapy is a health profession in which therapists and therapy assistants help individuals to do and engage in the specific activities that make up daily life. For children and youth in schools, occupational therapy works to ensure that a student can participate in the full breadth of school activities—from paying attention in class; concentrating on the task at hand; holding a pencil, musical instrument, or book in the easiest way; or just behaving appropriately in class.
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help students perform particular tasks necessary for participation or learning. “The whole purpose of school-based occupational therapy is to help kids succeed,” says pediatric occupational therapist Leslie Jackson. Occupational therapy practitioners don’t just focus on the specific problem that a child’s disability may present; rather, they look at the whole child and tackle individual tasks, helping students find ways to do the things they need and want to do.
- AOTA
How can your child work on their OT skills at home?
Below is a simple at home "session" framework for you to follow with your child!
Although typically each Occupational Therapy session with a student is extremely individualized based around that student's particular needs and accommodations, while schools are currently closed we have decided to try to provide you some resources you can use to continue to address your student's OT skills while at home. You can find these resources above by clicking the Resources tab.
Start your child off with some gross motor movements and heavy work
2. Work on your child's Fine Motor Skills
3. Work on your child's Visual Tracking + Visual Perception Skills
4. Work on your child's Visual Motor + Handwriting Skills
5. Other important resources