Occupational therapist

An occupational therapist (OT) is a person who helps people of all ages with activities that they need and want to do in their daily lives. These activities could be things like getting dressed, playing with friends, going to school or work, and even taking care of themselves like brushing their teeth or combing their hair.

The OT works with people who have challenges in doing these activities due to physical or mental disabilities, illnesses or injuries. They help these people to learn how to do these activities in a way that is safe and comfortable for them.

To do this, an OT will first assess the person they are working with. That means they will watch them do activities, ask them questions, and maybe even measure things like their strength or range of motion. From this assessment, the OT will work with the person to set goals for what they want to achieve.

The OT will then teach the person new ways of doing activities or adapt the activities to make them easier. They might use things like special equipment, aids, or tools to help people do activities. The OT will also teach people how to manage any symptoms, pain, or discomfort they might have while doing activities.

The OT works with the person and their family, caregivers, or teachers to make sure they can do activities in different settings like at home, school, or in the community. This helps people to be more independent and participate in things they enjoy.

Overall, an occupational therapist helps people to do the things they want and need to do in their daily lives, and they do it in a way that is specially designed for that person.