What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives (AOTA, 2005). It gives people the "skills for the job of living" necessary for independent and satisfying lives (AOTA, 2005). Services typically include:

Customized treatment programs to improve one's ability to perform daily activities

• Comprehensive home, daycare, school/classroom and/or job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations. Occupational therapists view the child, the child’s environment and the interaction between the child and the environment in a holistic way. (Jane Case-Smith, OTR/L, 1996).
• Performance skills assessments and treatment
• Adaptive equipment recommendations and usage training
• Guidance to family members and caregivers
• See www.aota.org for more information about Occupational Therapy Practitioners
• Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled professionals whose education includes the study of human growth and development with specific emphasis on the social, emotional, and physiological effects of illness and injury (AOTA, 2005).

The occupational therapist enters the field with a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree. The occupational therapy assistant generally earns an associate degree.

Practitioners must complete supervised clinical internships in a variety of health care settings, and pass a national examination. Most states also regulate occupational therapy practice.

Who Benefits From Occupational Therapy?

A wide variety of people can benefit from occupational therapy, including those with:

• work-related injuries including lower back problems or repetitive stress injuries
• limitations following a stroke or heart attack
• arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or other serious chronic conditions
• birth injuries, learning problems, or developmental disabilities children with congenital conditions specifically Arthrogryposis, cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, stroke, encephalopathy, Down syndrome, brachial plexus injury or conditions such as neuroblastoma and tumor. As well as. sensory processing disorders such as autism, PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) and Sensory Integration Dysfunction. Or, fine motor, visual motor and perceptual motor problems affecting handwriting.
• mental health or behavioral problems including Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress problems with substance use or eating disorders burns, spinal cord injuries, or amputations

• broken bones or other injuries from falls, sports injuries, or accidents
• vision or cognitive problems that threaten their ability to drive

How Occupational Therapy Works

Every day, children and adults have or develop health conditions that significantly affect their ability to manage their daily lives. With the help of occupational therapy, many of these individuals can achieve or regain a higher level of independence. When skill and strength cannot be developed or improved, occupational therapy offers creative solutions and alternatives for carrying out daily activities (AOTA, 2005).

Occupational Therapy intervention first begins with a screening, evaluation, intervention and treatment planning and re-assessment and modification on an ongoing basis.

Occupational therapists work with a team of professionals which consists of, but is not limited to Physical Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Neurologists, Orthotists, and Orthopedists, Play therapists, social workers, Special Educators, families and caregivers.

Crossway, Inc. also serves as a provider for the Mecklenburg County Children’s Developmental Services which is a county service for birth to three year old children with special needs who may be in need of evaluation and treatment. The service is free to Mecklenburg County residents. For more information, please contact The Dr. Carlton Watkins Center at 704-336-7100.

Case Study: Birth Injury

Sarah was referred to occupational therapy at birth due to a brachial plexus injury leaving her right arm unable to move. After a surgery to repair the broken nerves in the arm, the occupational therapist used therapeutic activities to facilitate range of motion and strength in the right arm, along with splints, Kinesiotaping and electrical stimulation. Sarah can now play in tea parties and dress her favorite doll “Dora” with both her hands.