Where is occupational therapy used

OT helps kids play, improves their school performance, and aids their daily activities. It also boosts their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. With OT, kids can:. Physical therapy and occupational therapy both help improve kids' quality of life, but there are differences. Physical therapy PT helps with:. OTs and OTAs must do supervised fieldwork programs and pass a national certification exam. A license to practice is mandatory in most states, as are continuing education classes.

Occupational therapists do the part that looks at motor skills. Learn how to request an evaluation. Watch an occupational therapist describe the OT evaluation process. At first, he would just sit there quietly, taking things in. But by middle school, he began to be more vocal about his needs.

Share What is occupational therapy? Podcast Wunder community app. Main menu Our work Blog Surveys and research. Join our team Privacy policy Terms of use Fundraising disclosure Sitemap. At a Glance Occupational therapy OT is a treatment to improve motor skills, balance, and coordination. It helps kids and adults who struggle with everyday tasks like writing or getting dressed.

Dive deeper How does OT work? Learn more about: Fine motor skills Gross motor skills Motor planning. Go to www. Find answers and resources Tip Sheets about how occupational therapy can help you or your loved ones live life to its fullest.

Browse this section for more about our science-driven and evidence-based profession. The Fact Sheets in this section are designed to explain the role of Occupational Therapy in a variety of practice areas and with a broad range of conditions to other professionals. Institutions: Hospitals, intermediate and long term care facilities, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, mental health centres, correctional institutions, recreation centres, schools, universities and colleges, research centers.

Industry and business: Corporations, rehabilitation companies, insurance companies, and architectural firms. Occupational therapist assistants support OTs Occupational therapy assistants, sometimes referred to as OTAs, are members of the health care team who support the delivery of occupational therapy services to clients, families and communities.