What is occupational therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a holistic and client-centered approach that focuses on enabling individuals to live fulfilling and independent lives despite physical, mental, or developmental challenges. It emphasizes the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations) to help individuals achieve their goals.

What are the conditions for adult?

Neurological Conditions

• Stroke (CVA)
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Orthopedic Conditions

• Fractures and Joint Injuries
• Arthritis (Rheumatoid, Osteoarthritis)
• Amputations
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Chronic Pain (e.g., fibromyalgia)

Mental Health Conditions

• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia

Chronic Health Conditions

• Diabetes (e.g., managing limb amputations)
• Heart Disease
• Cancer (e.g., recovery and palliative care)
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Sensory and Motor Deficits

• Vision Impairments
• Hearing Loss
• Balance and Coordination Issues
• Dyspraxia (motor planning difficulties)

Workplace and Lifestyle Injuries

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)
• Ergonomic Adjustments for Workspaces
• Vocational Rehabilitation

Geriatric Conditions

• Falls and Mobility Issues
• Post-Surgery Recovery (e.g., hip/knee replacements)
• Age-related Decline in Functional Abilities

What is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

Paediatric occupational therapists provide treatment to help children meet developmental milestones, overcome sensory challenges and improve self-care, play and self-regulation skills.

Paediatric occupational therapy can encourage children to write with a pencil, feed themselves and play with their peers, for example. Each child enrolled in paediatric occupational therapy will have their own individualized goals to meet their needs after a full evaluation.

What are the conditions for Paediatric?

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Developmental Delays
• Sensory Processing Disorder
• Cerebral Palsy
• Down Syndrome
• Learning Disabilities
• Speech and Motor Apraxia
• Birth Injuries (e.g., Erb’s palsy)
• Feeding and Swallowing Disorders

Occupational therapy can help your child in the following areas:

1. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
   • Basic tasks like dressing, grooming, feeding, and bathing.
   • Teaching adaptive techniques to regain independence.
2. Sensory Integration and Processing
   • For individuals with sensory challenges, such as hypersensitivity to noise or difficulty with textures.
   • Techniques help improve how the brain processes sensory input.
3. Fine and Gross Motor Skills
   • Motor: Activities like writing, buttoning clothes, or using scissors.
   • Gross Motor: Improving larger movements such as walking, jumping, or climbing.
4. Cognitive and Social Skills Development
   • Improving problem-solving, memory, attention, and decision-making.
   • Enhancing communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction.
5. Environmental Modifications
   • Assessing home, school, or workplace environments.
   • Suggesting adaptations like ramps, ergonomic furniture, or assistive devices.

Children (infants to teenagers) may need occupational therapy if they have:

1. A congenital (present at birth) condition that affects their physical or cognitive function.
2. A condition that affects their development.
3. A neurological condition, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or cerebral palsy.
4. An injury that requires using adaptive equipment like prosthetics or mobility devices.