Occupational therapy may be useful for you and your loved one to help them master basic life skills such as brushing teeth, getting dressed, bathing and eating.

What is Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps people of all ages who have physical, sensory or cognitive problems. Referred to as Occupational Therapists (OT's) or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA's), these therapists use everyday activities such as exercises, helping them regain independence in all areas of their lives and boosting their self-confidence. Occupational therapy typically includes the following areas:

• Improve eye-hand coordination to allow children to play and perform school activities, such as write on a chalkboard.
• Learn fine motor skills so that they can grasp and release toys, as well as good hand-writing and computer skills.
• Learn positive behaviors and social skills by teaching them how to manage anger and frustration.
• Improve eye-hand coordination to allow children to pla and perform school activities, such as write on a chalkboard.
• Learn fine motor skills so that they can grasp and release toys, as well as good hand writing and computer skills.
• Learn positive behaviors and social skills by teaching them how to manage anger and frustration.

Does my loved one need occupational therapy?

Some children may need occupational therapy to address the following:

• Traumatic injuries to the brain or spinal cord
• Birt injuries or birth defects
• Post-surgical conditions
• Severe hand injuries
• Multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or other chronic illnesses
• Development delays
• Autism