According to the World Federation for Occupational Therapy (WFOT)
"Occupational Therapy is a profession that deals with the promotion of health and well-being through occupation. The main objective is to enable people to participate in the activities of daily living. Therapists achieve this result by enabling individuals to perform those tasks that will optimize their ability to participate, or by modifying the environment so that it reinforces participation.
Occupational Therapy seeks to prevent disease, achieve independence and reintegration of people in areas of occupational performance. These areas comprise a large number of skills. For example:
- basic activities of daily living
- instrumental activities of daily living
- etiquette
- job
- leisure/ free time
- game
- rest/sleep
- social participation.
This independence is achieved through purposeful, evidence-based activities. These activities are planned taking into account the interests of each individual. There is an active participation of the person in its therapeutic process. It also provides the techniques and tools that the individual needs to perform in their daily activities. Supportive products can also be used depending on each person's needs.
How does the occupational therapist work?
Occupation is fundamental for a person to build his or her identity. A systematic assessment of the person's priorities and interests is needed. The Occupational Therapist initiates the process by applying standardized and non-standardized evaluations. The intervention is then approached on the basis of the objectives set individually. The intervention approach will be fully individualised respecting differences and different needs.
When developing an occupational therapy program for your child, it is important to develop a realistic set of expectations with the therapist. These expectations may be revised from time to time as the child progresses. You will be able to determine the impact the therapeutic program has on your child's and family's quality of life only through periodic evaluations.
Who is a candidate for Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy is comprehensive and therefore helps to treat a wide range of people. For example, someone who has depression and receives help from a psychiatrist, but also needs to be able to insert themselves into their normal life. The Occupational Therapist assists and accompanies the person in this process, as well as with a young child who has school difficulties or someone with a physical disability. It rehabilitates from the musculature to any normal action of daily life, such as combing your hair or riding the bus.
In the case of children it is important that the intervention in Occupational Therapy starts early in order to obtain effective results in a shorter time. In approaching a child it is not only important to select an appropriate intervention method, but also to inform, contain and accompany the family. Close contact should also be maintained with early care and education centres.
If you would like to learn more about our Occupational Therapy or Speech Therapy services, please do not hesitate to contact us. We have multiple options and professionals who can provide the help you need.