Occupational Therapy

What are Occupational Therapists?

Occupational Therapists, also called OTs, are experts in helping individuals perform daily living tasks such as dressing, feeding, and any other task the individual needs to perform throughout their day. They work with all ages and populations who have experienced an illness or injury that affects their ability to perform those daily tasks (also called occupations).

How can occupational therapy help my child?

OTs can help your child improve the underlying skills required for their daily living tasks. This may include improving fine or gross motor skills, improving sensory regulation, strengthening, and more, so that your child can perform their daily occupations as independently as possible.

Why would an adult benefit from occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy helps individuals improve their functional independence. Regardless of age, we all need to perform basic tasks of daily living such as getting dressed, feeding ourselves, and interacting with other individuals. For adults, occupations may also include household tasks, going to work, going out into the community, and more. 

Who is a part of the occupational therapy team?

There are many other members of the occupational therapy team than just the client and the OT.  Parents, caregivers, primary care physicians, teachers, psychologists, physical therapists, speech therapists, and rehabilitation counselors can all work together to help the client achieve his or her occupational therapy goals.

Why was my loved one referred to an occupational therapist?

Someone may be referred to an occupational therapist for an evaluation if he or she demonstrates:

• difficulty reaching developmental milestones
• difficulty learning at an age appropriate level
• difficulty developing age appropriate play and social skills 
• difficulty with daily tasks such as dressing and self-feeding
• difficulty completing tasks at school, work, or in community settings 
   

An occupational therapy evaluation will determine strengths and weaknesses. The OT will make a recommendation for occupational therapy based on observations in addition to evaluation results.

More information about occupational therapy can be found on the American Occupational Therapy Association website.

How do we get started?

If you are interested in receiving occupational therapy at Achieving True Self’s Center for Achievement in Irwin, Pennsylvania, please make an inquiry or referral today! Please note, this is the only location that occupational therapy is available at this time.

Occupational therapy is currently provided by:

Elle Kisiday, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist