What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a way to help kids do everyday tasks better, like eating, writing, or getting dressed. A person called an occupational therapist (say: AH-kyoo-pay-shu-nal THAIR-ah-pist) teaches kids new or different ways to get things done.

Who Gets Occupational Therapy?

Kids get OT for many different reasons. Some kids need OT because of a disability or injury. Other kids need OT to work on how they move and control their muscles.

Here are some examples:

• Kids with cerebral palsy (say: seh-REE-brel PAWL-zee) may need to learn how to use a wheelchair so they can go to school.
• Kids with autism (say: AW-tiz-um) may need help learning to play with others.
• Kids who have trouble with their senses, like hearing or seeing, may need help dealing with things like a noise that’s too loud or light that’s too bright.
• Kids whose muscles are developing slowly might need extra help doing things, like opening a jar, putting on shoes, or taking a bath.

Where Do Kids Get Occupational Therapy?

Kids can get OT can at home, in school, or at a hospital or clinic. It depends on what they need.

What’s It Like?

If your doctor wants you to get OT, here’s what you can expect. You’ll likely:

• Meet with the occupational therapist to see how to do different things. The therapist might ask you to do stuff like write the alphabet, play games, or tie your shoes. Sometimes you may string beads, squeeze a special grip meter, or brush your teeth. You and your parent will tell the therapist about the things you want to get better at doing.
• Get your own plan. The therapist will break down big tasks into small steps for you. For example, if you need help safely taking a bath on your own, a plan could tell you to:
  • turn on the water
  • adjust the temperature
  • find the soap and towel
  • get into the tub
  • wash your body and hair
  • get out of the tub
• Learn what to do. The therapist will show you how to follow your plan at home and then tell you of any exercises to do and how often to do them. 
• Practice on your own and with the therapist. With time and lots of practice, it’ll get easier to do some things that were hard for you.

How Long Will I Get Occupational Therapy?

OT can last a short time or a long time. Some kids finish OT and then start OT again as they get older, change schools, or need help with new skills.

Your occupational therapist will talk with you about your progress and let you know what you need.