Key points 

• Occupational Therapy (OT) helps people with illness or disability achieve a range of daily tasks and life goals, from simple everyday activities like showering or cooking to the more complex, like returning to work.  

• Occupational therapists (OTs) are registered health professionals who help people with the daily tasks they need to do to both function and thrive. 

• Occupational therapy involves analysis of a person’s ability to undertake everyday activities, and a personalised program to address their needs, which may include home modifications or equipment. 

• Occupational therapy offers several benefits, including building basic skills, helping people become more independent, and improving quality of life. 

• Paediatric occupational therapy helps children and teenagers with a range of physical and mental disabilities and needs. 

• An Active+ OT can help improve quality of life and independence for many people.  Click here to find an Active+ occupational therapist near you. 

What is occupational therapy? 

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a type of therapy designed to help people with illness or disability achieve daily tasks and life goals. These goals can range from everyday functions like getting out of bed, showering, cooking and driving to more complex activities, such as engaging with the community or returning to work. Occupational therapists (OTs) are registered health professionals who help people with the daily tasks they need to do to not only function, but thrive. 

Even though some people might associate OT with work or injury recovery, the word ‘occupation’ covers all daily activities that contribute to a person's wellbeing and independence. 

What does occupational therapy involve? 

An occupational therapist will typically start by analysing a patient’s ability to undertake everyday tasks, and then design a personalised therapy program based on this evaluation. They might recommend home modifications, such as installing grab rails, or suggest new equipment to help improve quality of life. At Active+, our occupational therapists work closely with clients and other healthcare professionals to tailor therapy to each individual’s needs and goals. 

How can occupational therapy help? 

Occupational therapy offers several benefits: 

• Introduces essential daily skills and builds them for the long term. 

• Increases ability to perform tasks independently at home, school, or in the community. 

• Enhances quality of lifethrough a focus on achieving personal goals and improving social life. 

Paediatric occupational therapy 

Paediatric occupational therapy can help children and teenagers with a range of physical and mental conditions including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, developmental delay, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities.  

A paediatric OT can help with: 

• Self-care skills like dressing, toileting, and personal hygiene. 

• Play and enhancing social skills 

• Regulating emotions effectively 

• Fine and gross motor skills such as handwriting, balance, and coordination. 

• Age-appropriate chores like meal preparation and simple cleaning. 

• Executive functioning skills such as planning, organisation, and memory. 

Getting started with Active+ 

Occupational therapy can help many people live their best life. Our experienced team is ready to provide support and guidance to help you achieve your goals and improve your quality of life, so get in touch today. Click here to find an Active+ occupational therapist near you.