What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants  work to facilitate a child's participation and independence in ‘occupation’. A child's occupation is to thrive by engaging in play (involving motor, sensory, and emotional development) so they can interact with, participate in, and learn about the world around them. Occupational Therapy (OT) interventions are based on a thorough understanding of typical development, the environments in which the child lives (e.g., home, school, community), and how the child participates in each.

OT providers:
• Collaborate with caregivers and other professionals to identify and meet the needs of the child;
• Identify and modify or accommodate for barriers that interfere, restrict, or inhibit participation;
• Teach and model skills and strategies to extend therapeutic intervention to all aspects of daily life;
• Adapt materials, activities, and environmental conditions to maximize the child’s participation in all environments.

The therapy team at MWFM create client and family-focused programs that may include assessment, program planning, therapy sessions, and/or consultation. Frequency and duration of occupational therapy services varies with each child and family. Typically, sessions are carried out on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The duration required to achieve positive and lasting change may range from a few sessions to more than one year.