Description
Occupational Therapy is a health care
profession that specializes in assessment
and treatment of individuals both young and
old who have disabling conditions which may
be mental, physical, developmental or
emotional. The aim of occupational therapy
is to help these disabled people achieve
functional independence in their daily life
roles by improving their ability to perform
activities of daily living, at home, school
and work environments. As of 2007 an
occupational therapist must have a masters
degree from an accredited school as well as
be licensed in the state they work in.
Statistical studies
show the following:
Currently in the United States women
dominate the profession of Occupational
Therapy. Most Occupational Therapists work
in hospital settings though others work for
private and public educational services as
well as nursing care facilities, homecare,
governmental agencies and offices of
physicians among others. Current statistics
show that there will be a steady increase in
the need for occupational therapists
especially those that work with the older
adults.
Types and Symptoms
The following are conditions and
situations that can be helped with the use
of occupational therapy:
In Children:
Autism The OT
can teach the autistic child how to achieve
independence with activities of daily living
such as dressing, and feeding themselves. In
addition, the OT can assist the child to
develop socially and educationally.
Developmentally
Delayed
Mental Retardation
Cerebral Palsy
All above three can be assisted with the
help of an OT to achieve their maximum
independence in performing activities of
daily living, socializing and learning.
ADHD The OT can develop or recommend a
program that will identify the effects of
ADHD and ways to accomplish achievable
goals.
Learning Disabilities The OT will work with
the educators and the parents towards
improving the childs ability to learn
Physical Disabilities - The OT will teach the
child how to use adaptive devices to improve
functionality, as well as exercises to
improve gross and fine motor skills
In Adults
Heart Disease - Strengthening and breathing
exercise to combat fatigue
Stroke or Spinal Cord Injury Muscle
reeducation and improved range of motion
Cognitive Impairments such as seen with
Alzheimer's relearn daily living skills
Any function lost as a result of disease or
injury can be re-taught by an OT to regain
or at least improve the ability.
Back Injury
Arthritis
Vocational Training
Questions to ask the
expert
How many years experience have you had
administering occupational therapy?
Do you have a specialty, if yes what is it?
What setting have you predominately
practiced in?
What age group do you treat
What is your success rate
Certificates and Licenses
References
General Tips
Consult your doctor prior to use of
occupational therapy you will need a
prescription from your MD to pursue
Occupational Therapy
Make sure your
occupational therapist is licensed in the
state he/she is working in.
Occupational Therapy assistants must be
supervised by a license Occupational
therapist.
Find out if your
medical insurance plan covers Occupational
therapy.
Let your
occupational therapist know of any medical
condition you have
Notify your
therapist of any medications, herbs or
supplements you are taking
Occupational
Therapist can be consulted on preventing
injury at work through use of ergonomics
Parents,
caregivers and teachers must work closely
with the occupational therapist to promote
successful improvement in physical, mental
and emotionally abilities of the disabled
child
Dont get
discouraged, progress might be slow, focus
on the small improvements in function
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