Occupational
Therapy

Occupational therapists use meaningful activities to help children and youth participate in what they need and/or want to do in order to promote physical and mental health and well-being. Occupational therapy practitioners focus on participation in the following areas: education, play and leisure, social interaction, activities of daily living (e.g., eating, dressing, hygiene), instrumental activities of daily living (e.g., meal preparation, shopping), sleep and rest, and work. These are the usual occupations of childhood. Task analysis is used to identify factors (e.g., sensory, motor, social-emotional, cognitive) that may limit successful participation across various settings, such as at school, at home, and in the community. Activities and accommodations are used in intervention to promote successful performance in these settings.