How can occupational therapy help?

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Occupational therapists work to support people to participate in daily activities/occupations to improve their health, independence and wellbeing.  

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Occupations for children or young people may include self-care (dressing, eating a meal, using the toilet, making a simple meal), being productive (participating in activities and routines in childcare, kinder or school, or volunteering), and leisure (playing with friends, doing sports or hobbies). 

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Occupational therapists can help babies, children and young people and the people who support them, who may need support and advice if they are not able to do every-day tasks due to illness, delay, disability, family circumstances, or as a result of changes as they get older.

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Occupational therapists support the child or young person, their family and other relevant people, such as teachers, to evaluate challenges and strengths in doing daily activities. Assessment and therapy usually occurs within the child’s natural environment (home, school or other relevant community settings), although specialist assessments may also take place in a clinic.

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What is school-based occupational therapy?

 

Evidence shows that when we put interventions in place on a whole-school or whole-class level, we are more effective in supporting students to participate in school routines. Rather than working with students on an individual level, school-based OTs mainly work with class teachers, teaching assistants, PE coaches and other staff. The OT is embedded within the school community, where the needs of the whole class are identified and prioritised.

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Read more about school-based OT here.