Occupational Therapy(OT)

Occupational Therapy (OT) is defined as a profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. There is a definite process that is followed by occupational therapists. It is called the Occupational Therapy Process. The stages of this process are referral, information gathering, initial assessment, requires problem identification, goal setting, action planning, ongoing assessment and revision of action, outcome and outcome measurement, end of intervention or discharge, and review. Occupational Therapy is widely used in physical, mental, and community health settings.

It is most closely associated with hospital-based occupational therapy for children, schools, and the community. AS OT delivers treatment through occupation, a therapy given to a child will differ from therapy for an adult. This is because of the difference in the things, which keeps both the age groups occupied. Amongst other factors, the most common conditions generating a need for OT services include autism, developmental disorders, fine motor development disorders, fine motor development delays, and emotional and behavioural disturbances. OT also plays a significant role in the case of a major traumatic injury. It helps to recover, as it facilitates early mobilisation, restores function, and prevents worsening of the patient’s conditions. In the case of the aged, OT can actually help elderly people to lead a good life.

Occupational therapists are trained to assist people of all ages to perform the functional tasks that normally occupy their lives. The occupation of childhood is to develop the skills like continual refinement and development of motor skills, development of communication skills, appropriate social interactions, language and cognitive skills, age appropriate self-care skills etc. necessary to become functional and independent adults..