So What exactly IS Occupational Therapy?
As an occupational therapist, I hear this question daily and have great fun telling people what I do and how I do it. Our motto is that we provide Skills For The Job Of Living. An occupational therapist (OT) intervenes with people of all ages across the lifespan due to physical, emotional, cognitive, neurological, social and developmental needs impeding function, independence or quality of life. The four domains of OT are pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health and physical dysfunction.

OT's are a critical member of the healthcare team, as our focus is on function and "occupation" as in how the body works and operates. Specifically, we work diligently to enhance the self-help skills/ADL's (activities of daily living), skills for work or school, play or leisure, and interpersonal/group interactions necessary for a fulfilling, productive life. OT has it's roots in psychology so we always consider the impact of a disorder or impairment and its affect on daily function both physically as well as emotionally.

OT's are typically on a team working with physical therapists, speech therapists, teachers, social workers, parents, ABA therapists, nutritionists, physicians, etc.

Funny Stuff As An OT

Once when I was in graduate school, an older gentleman asked me what I was studying. I replied "Pediatric occupational therapy" and when he started yelling at me, I became a bit concerned. He was yelling "Why can't you people let children be children?? Do you honestly believe a five year old wants a job??" I have often thought about creating a business card describing OT merely to avoid being yelled at again!