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What is Occupational Therapy?

10/13/2020

11 Comments

 
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This is one of the first and most common questions I receive as an occupational therapist. Generally speaking, occupational therapy is a healthcare service which helps people participate functionally in the occupations or activities that are necessary or meaningful to their life. Depending on the setting or the client, those meaningful occupations can vary. For children and adolescents, one of their primary occupations is being a student.

​School based occupational therapy

​School based occupational therapists help their students access their curriculum and participate in school to the best of their ability, regardless of any disabilities, differences, or environmental challenges they may face. For students with fine motor delays, this may look like working on handwriting so that they can efficiently and legibly complete written assignments. For other students, it may look like finding self-regulation or sensory strategies to help with attention and participation challenges. My personal favorite is when our sessions look like arts and crafts; these sessions can be beautiful and fun plus an amazing way to target fine and visual motor needs. While in this setting, the occupational therapy goals will always relate back to accessing some element of school, there is still a wide variety of areas that can be encompassed.
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​What skills or areas can OTs help with?

  • Fine Motor Skills (including handwriting)
  • Gross Motor Skills
  • Bilateral Coordination
  • Visual Motor and Visual Perceptual Skills
  • Self-regulation and Organization of Behavior
  • Sensory Processing
  • Executive Functioning (including focus and attention)
  • Socio-emotional skills (including social participation)
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​How does that work in distance learning?

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Occupational therapists adapt activities and create modifications to provide a “just right challenge” for students. This allows the student to feel successful in their schoolwork and activities while simultaneously continuing to build their skillsets.

In distance learning, we continue to do just that! Instead of using sensory tools at school to self-regulate, we are building a “tool-box” of sensory items at home (i.e. blankets, squishy balls, play doh, etc.). Instead of practicing copying sentences from a real whiteboard, we are practicing copying sentences from a virtual “Zoom whiteboard.” And instead of promoting socio-emotional skills through peer interactions on the playground, we are playing turn-taking virtual games and role playing how to react and respond to what a peer said over a Zoom. For me, this has been one of the more fun challenges of virtual occupational therapy, finding games that translate easily to Zoom like Tic-Tac-Toe, Connect Four, or “Snakes.”

True, the environment and resources have changed, but the service goal is the same: to help students access their curriculum in spite of any obstacles they face, including and not limited to, a pandemic.

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Blog Post Written By: Niki Rounds, Occupational Therapist
11 Comments
Taylor Hicken link
4/11/2021 09:03:37 pm

I appreciated it when you shared that occupational therapy can help people to participate functionally in the activities that are meaningful to their life. My friend just mentioned the other day that she is concerned about her brother who is dealing with injuries as he just got in an accident a few weeks ago. I will suggest to her taking him for occupational therapy so he can recover and live his normal life.

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Jeff Carbine link
1/26/2022 05:33:28 pm

I like what you said occupational therapists in schools assist kids in accessing their curriculum and participating fully in school, regardless of any impairments, differences, or environmental problems they may experience. This is a good article, my uncle is looking for info and this should help him. I wanted to thank you for your explanation about occupational therapy.

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Olivia Smart link
3/2/2022 10:56:53 am

Thank you for explaining that occupational therapists can help with fine motor skills like handwriting. My son has been struggling with his handwriting and has been told that it's hardly legible, which makes assignments difficult. I'll be sure to find an occupational therapist to help him with this.

Reply
occupational therapy link
5/31/2022 06:05:46 pm

This OT blogger has established a safe space for open discussion by keeping anonymous. The site's major purpose is to provide honest advise based on real experiences, both good and poor. That's exactly what you'll discover! Many people will relate to firsthand experiences of IEP sessions and off-the-wall parent/therapist talks. Don't miss the hilarious and sadly realistic description of what may (and frequently does) happen in a pediatric therapy waiting area. The site's design makes it simple to search for specific subjects of interest using the blue keywords at the bottom of the right side.

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Victoria Addington link
4/26/2023 10:42:39 am

It's great that you explained that in-person and online therapy have the same fee. My friend is having gender issues. I think it's time to see an LGBTQ virtual therapy for proper guidance.

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Emman
8/27/2024 05:53:53 pm

This explanation really highlights the versatility of occupational therapy. It's amazing how it adapts to each person's unique needs, especially for children who need support in their role as students. I found the benefits here https://personnelgroup.com.au/health/occupational-therapy/, worth recommending indeed.

Reply
Edifyschools link
1/24/2025 08:37:52 pm

This powerful blog sheds light on the harsh realities of child labor and exploitation, emphasizing education as a crucial pathway to freedom and opportunity. The story of Kabirou Sayo from Benin serves as a stark reminder of the barriers many children face in accessing their basic right to education. By addressing systemic issues like poverty and child trafficking, the blog underscores the transformative power of education in breaking cycles of exploitation.

The Edify Schools Franchise shares a similar commitment to making education accessible to all children, focusing on inclusivity and holistic development. Through its schools, the franchise provides a nurturing environment where children can learn and grow, free from the pressures of socio-economic constraints. By integrating innovative teaching methodologies and value-based education, Edify Schools aim to empower children and shape them into responsible global citizens.

This blog aligns deeply with the ethos of Edify Schools Franchise, which believes in education as a tool for transformation and liberation. Just as UNICEF is working to ensure children understand their rights and have access to quality education, Edify Schools work tirelessly to create environments where every child is encouraged to thrive and reach their full potential, irrespective of their background.

Reply
DRSIS link
1/24/2025 08:45:03 pm

This blog beautifully highlights the transformative power of education in combating exploitation and child labor, with a poignant focus on UNICEF's efforts in Benin. The narrative of Kabirou Sayo reminds us of the essential role education plays in providing children the opportunity to escape cycles of poverty and insecurity. It also emphasizes the responsibility of institutions to ensure that no child is deprived of their fundamental right to education.

At DRS International School, we are dedicated to creating a safe and empowering learning environment for every student. Our focus on a well-rounded education, paired with an unwavering commitment to social responsibility, ensures that students not only excel academically but also grow as compassionate individuals who understand the importance of making a difference in the world. By offering a curriculum that emphasizes values, empathy, and global awareness, we strive to equip students to lead meaningful lives.

This blog resonates strongly with DRS International School’s philosophy of using education as a tool for empowerment and transformation. Like UNICEF’s initiatives in Benin, our school emphasizes the importance of eradicating barriers to education, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to embrace learning and become advocates for positive change.

Reply
DRSkids link
1/24/2025 08:48:01 pm

The blog captures the critical issue of child labor and its impact on education, presenting a compelling case for why children must be in classrooms rather than exploitative work environments. Kabirou Sayo’s story is a touching reminder of the struggles many children face and the urgent need for interventions like those led by UNICEF in Benin. The innovative use of games to teach children about their rights is an inspiring example of making education accessible and engaging for young learners.

At DRS Kids, we believe in laying a strong foundation for children’s futures through early childhood education. Our focus on fostering creativity, curiosity, and confidence ensures that young learners are equipped with the tools to excel academically and socially. By creating an inclusive and supportive environment, we help children understand their worth and potential from an early age, instilling in them a lifelong love for learning.

This blog aligns with DRS Kids’ mission to make education a joyful and transformative experience for every child. Just as UNICEF uses innovative strategies to reach children in Benin, DRS Kids uses creative teaching methodologies to inspire young minds and empower them to envision brighter futures, free from exploitation and full of opportunity.

Reply
Edify Medchal link
1/24/2025 08:53:20 pm

The blog shines a much-needed light on the relationship between education and the eradication of child labor. Kabirou Sayo’s story poignantly illustrates how poverty and exploitation rob children of their right to learn and thrive. UNICEF’s efforts to educate children about their rights and provide access to quality education are a testament to the role education plays in breaking cycles of poverty and ensuring a brighter future.

At Edify Medchal, we uphold the belief that education is the key to empowerment. By fostering an inclusive and enriching learning environment, we aim to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to learn and grow. Our curriculum emphasizes both academic excellence and personal development, preparing students to overcome challenges and contribute positively to society.

This blog resonates deeply with Edify Medchal’s values, reflecting our shared commitment to making education a means of empowerment. Just as UNICEF works tirelessly to address systemic barriers to education, Edify Medchal strives to create opportunities for every child to succeed, building a foundation for a future free from exploitation and filled with promise.

Reply
treatment facility for troubled youth link
4/6/2025 11:56:58 pm

A treatment facility for troubled youth offers intensive support for adolescents facing significant emotional, behavioral, or social challenges. These facilities are equipped to handle complex issues like defiance, substance abuse, trauma, or legal trouble. The goal is to create a safe, structured space where young people can stabilize, gain insight, and learn healthy coping skills through therapy, mentorship, and education.

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