How can OT help?

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Occupational therapy specializes in helping individuals with disabilities develop the skills needed for daily living, independence, and meaningful participation in life. They’re especially well-equipped to teach life skills that involve self-care, home management, fine motor coordination, sensory regulation, and executive functioning.

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How OT Helps Across the Lifespan

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In Childhood

• Helps with motor skills: like holding a pencil, using scissors, or climbing stairs.

• Improves daily routines: like brushing teeth, getting dressed, or toilet training.

• Supports sensory needs: helps kids who are sensitive to sounds, lights, or textures feel more comfortable.

• Teaches social and play skills: so kids can interact better with others.

In Teen Years

• Builds independence: learning how to cook, manage time, or take care of personal hygiene.

• Improves coping skills: to manage stress, transitions, or emotional overload.

• Supports school success: with organization, focus, and classroom participation.

In Adulthood

• Helps with job readiness: practicing skills like following routines, using public transportation, or handling money.

• Supports independent living: such as cooking, cleaning, and managing a schedule.

• Continues sensory support: helping adults manage overstimulation or anxiety in the workplace or community.

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Here’s a breakdown of more life skills an OT can teach:

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Skills related to personal self-care:

• Dressing and undressing (using adaptive techniques or devices)

• Bathing and grooming (washing hair, brushing teeth, shaving)

• Toileting (transfers, hygiene, managing clothing)

• Feeding (using utensils, adaptive equipment, safe swallowing)

• Managing incontinence (bladder and bowel routines)

More complex tasks for independent living:

• Meal preparation and planning

• Using kitchen appliances safely

• Laundry and household cleaning tasks

• Money management (budgeting, counting change, paying bills)

• Shopping skills (making a list, handling money, navigating stores)

• Medication management (organization, reminders, self-administration)

Motor and Coordination Skills

• Fine motor skills (buttoning, writing, opening containers)

• Hand strengthening and dexterity (therapy putty, manipulatives)

• Bilateral coordination (using both hands together for tasks)

• Visual-motor integration (pouring, cutting)

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Cognitive and Executive Functioning Skills

• Time management and routines (schedules, calendars, timers)

• Memory and attention strategies

• Problem-solving and decision-making

• Task initiation and completion

• Organization skills (room setup, backpack or desk organization)

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Sensory Regulation & Emotional Self-Management

• Sensory diets or calming strategies

• Identifying sensory preferences or sensitivities

• Using fidgets, weighted items or movement breaks

• Emotion recognition and coping strategies

• Establishing personal space and safe boundaries

• Understanding body language and personal space

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Pre-Vocational and Vocational Skills

• Work task simulation (sorting, assembling, time tracking)

• Using adaptive tools for job tasks