Why Would A Child Need Occupational Therapy

Last Updated on September 5, 2024

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a propulsive client-centered health profession that promotes health and well-being through occupation. The primary goal of OT is to enable people to participate in everyday life activities.

Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do or by modifying the occupation or the environment to support their occupational engagement better.

Occupational therapy is crucial for individuals who face challenges in performing activities of daily living due to myriad reasons, such as disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. OT practitioners offer customized strategies and modifications to a person’s environment to ensure they can lead a productive and satisfying life.

How Did Occupational Therapy Begin?

The roots of OT can be traced back to ancient times, yet it formally began in the early 20th century. In ancient times, Greek physicians like Asclepiades used therapeutic baths, massage, exercise, and music to treat patients with mental illnesses.

During this period, the treatment of individuals with mental illnesses began to shift from confinement to more humane methods, including engagement in meaningful occupations within asylums.

The formal inception of Occupational Therapy occurred in the early 1910s, reflecting the ideals of the Progressive Era. It was during this time that the profession began to distinguish itself from other medical fields, with pioneers like William Rush Dunton Jr. advocating for the therapeutic use of occupations.

Dunton is often referred to as “the father of occupational therapy” and played a pivotal role in forming the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy, now known as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?

An occupational therapist’s primary goal is to assist people in engaging in the activities of daily life. It can range from teaching children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, to providing support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

That is not just about physical health but also encompasses mental health. OTs provide strategies to manage stress, improve cognitive functions, and devise individualized interventions that allow people to perform their daily activities with greater ease and independence.

To be effective in their role, occupational therapists need a diverse set of skills:

OTs must be able to think creatively to tailor interventions to each person’s needs.

Clear communication is crucial, not only for explaining complex medical information to patients but also for collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide the best care possible.

Understanding and patience are key in helping clients who may be frustrated or struggling with their progress.

OTs often need to assist patients physically, which can require a good level of fitness.

Keeping track of numerous patients and treatments requires excellent organizational abilities.

The ability to adapt to changing situations and needs is essential, as no two days are the same in occupational therapy.

Building relationships with clients and their families is important for successful therapy outcomes.

Types of Occupational Therapy Interventions?

Occupational therapy interventions can be broadly categorized into several types:

#1. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Training

This training revolves around assisting with tasks such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and eating and helping individuals manage household tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry.

#2. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) Training

It involves training on using public transportation, driving, or arranging transportation services. Assisting with budgeting, paying bills, and managing finances and teaching skills needed for grocery shopping and meal planning is also a part of this training.

#3. Sensory Integration Therapy

This therapy includes techniques to help individuals manage and respond to sensory input more effectively. Moreover, activities to improve coordination, balance, and motor planning are also practiced.

#4. Cognitive Rehabilitation

Strategies to improve memory and cognitive functions, with several activities to enhance reasoning and decision-making abilities are addressed in cognitive rehabilitation.

#5. Hand Therapy

Hand therapy involves exercises to improve agility and hand-eye coordination, and treatment for injuries or conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and arm.

#6. Ergonomics and Workplace Rehabilitation

It encompasses recommendations for ergonomic improvements to prevent workplace injuries and assessing or modifying job tasks to accommodate physical limitations.

#7. Assistive Technology and Adaptive Equipment

It includes teaching individuals how to use assistive devices such as wheelchairs, communication aids, and adaptive utensils. Suggestions for modifications to make the home environment safer and more accessible are also acknowledged.

#8. Developmental Interventions

It contains Pediatric Therapy (Activities designed to promote developmental milestones in children) and School-Based Therapy (Supporting children with disabilities to succeed in the educational environment).

What medical Conditions can Occupational Therapy Help with?

Occupational therapy can assist individuals recovering from injuries or dealing with chronic conditions. Some of the medical conditions that OT can help with include:

1. Bone Fractures and Injuries: OT helps patients regain mobility and strength, teaching them how to perform tasks safely during recovery.

2. Neurological Conditions: For conditions like strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries, OT plays a paramount role in relearning essential skills and adapting to new ways of performing daily tasks.

3. Chronic Diseases: Patients with multiple sclerosis, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and other chronic illnesses can benefit from OT by learning strategies to manage day-to-day activities despite their symptoms.

4. Developmental Disorders: Children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and developmental delays can improve their social and life skills through tailored OT interventions.

How Does Occupational Therapy Help Individuals with Disabilities?

OT empowers individuals with disabilities to perform daily tasks on their own, fostering a sense of autonomy. Through OT, patients can develop and refine skills needed for self-care, work, and leisure activities, contributing to a more fulfilling life.

Occupational therapists often recommend modifications to the home or workplace to make daily tasks more accessible for individuals with disabilities. They incorporate the use of assistive devices to enhance functional capabilities, allowing patients to perform tasks they might otherwise find challenging.

What Techniques Do Occupational Therapists Use?

Occupational therapists employ a variety of techniques tailored to meet individual needs and goals. These techniques are designed to improve function, enhance participation, and increase independence in daily activities. Some of the common techniques include:

1. Activity analysis to break down activities into their parts to identify potential challenges and adapt the activity to the individual’s needs.

2. Adaptive equipment, including the use of splinting techniques to improve strength and stability for individuals with limitations in hand function or mobility.

3. Sensory integration activities help individuals with sensory processing disorders to better process and react to sensory information.

4. Therapeutic exercises are used to improve physical function.

5. Memory exercises and organizational strategies are employed to assist individuals with cognitive impairments.

6. Social skills training and communication tools are used to enhance social participation.

7. Environmental modifications involve adjustments to the physical environment to improve accessibility and independence.

8. Engaging clients in meaningful activities that align with their goals and aspirations.

What is The Process of Receiving Occupational Therapy?

The process of receiving occupational therapy typically involves three key stages: evaluation, intervention, and outcomes. This process is a dynamic and interactive one, where the therapist and the client collaborate to identify the client’s goals and the best course of action to achieve them.

Evaluation

The evaluation phase is the cornerstone of the occupational therapy process. It begins with an occupational profile where the therapist gathers information about the client’s occupational history, daily life activities, interests, values, and needs. This is followed by an analysis of occupational performance, where the therapist identifies the client’s strengths, limitations, and any potential problems that might be hindering their ability to perform daily tasks.

Intervention

Once the evaluation is complete, the therapist and client work together to develop an intervention plan. This plan is tailored to the client’s unique needs and goals and may involve various therapeutic activities, exercises, and education. The intervention aims to improve the client’s ability to perform daily activities and to promote health and well-being.

Outcomes

The final stage of the OT process is the outcomes phase. Here, the effectiveness of the interventions is assessed. The therapist and client review the progress toward the goals and determine if any adjustments to the intervention plan are necessary. The outcomes help in guiding future actions and decisions regarding the client’s therapeutic journey.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Adults and Elderly?

Adults seek occupational therapy for various reasons, including recovery from injuries, managing chronic conditions, or adapting to physical and cognitive changes. OT helps adults regain or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working, which include personal care, home management, and job-related tasks.

One of the primary benefits of OT for adults is the improvement of functional abilities, allowing them to perform tasks more efficiently and safely. Occupational therapists may introduce adaptive equipment or strategies to compensate for physical limitations. They also guide workplace ergonomics and injury prevention, which is particularly beneficial for those returning to work after an injury.

Why Would A Child Need Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a critical intervention for children who face challenges in their daily activities and development. It is designed to help children gain independence and improve their ability to perform tasks that are essential for their participation in school and social situations.

For children, occupational therapy focuses on facilitating development. Pediatric occupational therapists assess and address challenges in areas such as fine motor skills, sensory processing, and social interaction. They work closely with children who have developmental delays, neurological conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or cerebral palsy, and those recovering from injuries.

The goals of pediatric OT include helping children improve self-care routines like dressing and feeding, and enhancing play and self-regulation skills. By doing so, they ensure that therapy feels less like work and more like play, keeping children motivated and eager to participate.

How can Occupational Therapy be Applied in the Workplace?

In the workplace, OT practitioners employ a strength-based approach to support employees, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By focusing on what individuals can do rather than their limitations, OT promotes a sense of doing, being, belonging, and becoming, which are crucial for a healthy work environment.

OT professionals conduct job assessments to understand the demands of specific roles and determine how an employee’s capabilities can meet those demands. This involves a detailed analysis of job tasks and the work environment to identify potential accommodations and modifications that can facilitate an employee’s return to work or enhance their performance.

What Qualifications are Needed to Become an Occupational Therapist?

To become an Occupational Therapist (OT), one typically needs to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related field, followed by a master’s degree in occupational therapy from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

The master’s program usually takes two to three years to complete. Afterward, aspiring OTs must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam to become licensed practitioners. Some may also choose to pursue a professional doctorate in occupational therapy. Continuous education is often required to maintain licensure, and some OTs opt for specialty certifications to advance their careers.

Difference Between Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) are distinct branches of rehabilitative care with unique roles in healthcare.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

OT helps individuals live more independently despite physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges.

OT practitioners work on life skills, modify environments, or use adaptive equipment to enhance performance in daily tasks.

While both OT and PT aim to improve quality of life and functional ability, OT has a broader scope, often addressing social, emotional, and environmental factors.

Physical Therapy (PT)

PT is centered on improving movement, strength, and mobility.

Physical therapists use exercises, stretches, and other physical activities to aid recovery from injuries and surgeries or to manage chronic conditions.

In contrast, PT is more focused on the physical aspects of recovery and movement.

FAQs

How Can I Find a Qualified Occupational Therapist?

You can start by consulting with your primary healthcare provider for recommendations or by searching for local therapists through professional directories. It’s important to verify the credentials of any potential therapist. Additionally, consider reaching out to local hospitals or universities with occupational therapy programs, as they often have connections to qualified professionals. When choosing the right therapist, look for someone who has experience relevant to your specific needs and with whom you feel comfortable discussing your health and personal goals.

What Should I Expect During an Occupational Therapy Session?

During an occupational therapy session, you can expect to undergo a thorough assessment to identify your needs and goals. The therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include exercises to improve motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and daily living activities like dressing and grooming. Assistive devices may be introduced to aid in these tasks. The focus is on enabling you to perform everyday activities with greater ease and independence.

How Long Does Occupational Therapy Last?

Typically, a course of occupational therapy might include one-hour sessions, 2-3 times a week for 4-8 weeks. For more complex cases, therapy may extend to 1-2 times per week for 6-12 weeks. Ultimately, the specific duration and frequency of therapy are tailored to each person’s unique situation, guided by the clinician’s judgment, and often influenced by insurance coverage.

Is Occupational Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Occupational therapy is often covered by insurance when it is deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a healthcare provider. In the United States, after meeting the deductible, Medicare typically covers 80% of the approved amount for occupational therapy services. Coverage can vary based on individual insurance plans and other factors such as additional insurance, the type of facility, and whether the provider accepts Medicare assignment.

Conclusion

Occupational therapy is a vital service that adapts to the needs of individuals throughout their lifespan. Whether it’s helping a child with developmental delays, assisting an adult in returning to work or enabling an elderly person to age in place safely, occupational therapy offers invaluable support across different age groups.

It is a profession dedicated to assisting those who have difficulty with practical and necessary activities, ensuring that they can live as independently and safely as possible. Occupational therapy is not just about physical well-being; it also encompasses emotional and social health, making it a comprehensive approach to overall wellness.

Marta Rubinart

Integrative Researcher in the field of Psychology, Spirituality and Religion, Professor of Integral Psychology and Spiritual Counseling, Bilingual Psychotherapist.