Occupational Therapy
What does an occupational therapist do?
The definition of Occupation is how we spend our time; when working or at home, during relaxation or fun, that which fulfills us, gives us purpose, and allows us to interact with the world around us to the best of our ability.
Occupational Therapy begins with this definition. It first evaluates where an individual is then treats the area of deficit to natural normal range.
The areas that occupational therapy evaluates:
- Sensory function (vestibular, tactile, proprioception)
- Reflex integration
- Fine motor skills- hand strength, grasp, release, reach and hand function
- Visual motor skills, eye hand coordination
- Perceptual motor skills
- Self-care skills- dressing, grooming
- Range of motion
- Oral motor
- Picky Eating & Problem Feeders
- Behavior issues due to processing
- Coordination issues
Once areas of delays are determined, an individual customize program with both short term and long term goals are set up. The purpose of treatment is to restore individual to normal function to fully living life.
Clinical Associations:
AOTA- American Occupational Therapy Association
MIOTA- Michigan Occupational Therapy Association
NBCOT- National Boards Certification of Occupational Therapy
MASPOT-Michigan Alliance of Physical and Occupational Therapists
