 Frequently Asked Questions Here at EIP Autism, we have received many quiries regarding autism in general as well as our services. These are the answers to the most commonly asked questions. On Occupational Therapy: + What is Occupational Therapy? + What is the aim of Occupational Therapy? + Who needs Occupational Therapy? + How can Occupational Therapy help? + Where do Occupational Therapist practice? + What qualifications/training does an Occupational Therapist have? + What is a typical first Occupational Therapy session? + What Does It Take To Be An Occupational Therapist? ___________________________________________ Q: What is Occupational Therapy? Occupational Therapy is therapy concerned with promoting health and the well being through occupation. Occupation is activities that people do during the course of everyday life, which gives meaning and purpose to their lives (who you are and how you feel about your self). |back to questions| Q: What is the aim of Occupational Therapy? The principal aim of occupational therapy is to help enhance a person's ability to participate in everyday activities. It focuses on working with people on every aspect of their daily lives that are essential for independent functioning, health and well being to reduce avoidable dependency. |back to questions| Q: Who needs Occupational Therapy People who are disadvantaged by physical, mental illness (psychiatric) and/or social problems either since birth or as a result of accident, illness or ageing. It could be anyone who for whatever reason cannot do the things in life they want or need to do including those with: · Work related injuries including lower back problems or repetitive stress injuries · Limitations following a stroke or heart attack · Arthritis, multiple sclerosis or other serious chronic conditions · Birth injuries, learning problems or developmental disabilities like autism attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, cerebral palsy · Mental health or behavioural problems including Alzheimer's, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress · Burns, spinal cord injuries or amputations · Broken bones or other injuries from falls, sport injuries or accidents · Vision or cognitive problems that threaten the ability to drive |back to questions| Q: How can Occupational Therapy help? Occupational Therapy uses a systematic approach to help a person develop means and opportunities to identify, engage in and improve their function in the occupations of life. Many can achieve or regain a higher level of independence. When skill and strength cannot be developed or improved, occupational therapy offers creative solutions and alternatives for carrying out daily activities. It can prevent the worsening of existing conditions or disabilities which may otherwise require institutionalization or other long term care. Children - Within the school system occupational therapist helps children facing physical, cognitive or mental health challenges that affect their school performances, socialization and health focusing on certain areas:- · Activities of daily living (self-needs like eating, dressing and toilet habits) · Education (achieving in the learning environment) · Play (interacting with age appropriate toys, games, equipment and activities) · Socialization (developing appropriate relationships and engaging in behaviour that does not interfere with learning r social relationships) · Work (developing interests and skills necessary for transition to community life after school) Adults - Occupational therapists performs services for adults in rehabilitation therapy after a work injury or accident. They also work in consultation with employers on programme and facility design to day-to-day operations and serves as advisors to manufacturing and service companies in areas of wellness, ergonomics and rehabilitation. Elderly people - As we get older we get less able. Illness and disabilities can make daily tasks like shopping, cooking, washing and getting around the house harder to manage. Occupational Therapy helps them to regain or maintain a level of independence for as long as possible. |back to questions| Q:Where do Occupational Therapist practice? · In community agencies · Health care organizations - hospitals, chronic care facilities, rehabilitation centres, clinics, hospices, nursing facilities, psychiatric facilities · Education settings - preschools, schools, colleges, universities · Social services and social work agencies · Vocational rehabilitation · Geriatric care services · Terminal and palliative care services Occupational therapists works as part of a multidisciplinary team collaborating with parents/caregivers and other team members, including physicians, nurses, speech-language pathologists, psychologists and teachers to target desired outcomes and determine the services, supports and modifications and accommodations needed to achieve those outcomes. |back to questions| Q:What qualifications/training does an Occupational Therapist have? In Canada an Occupational Therapist have: · A degree from an accredited university program with a 4 year baccalaureate degree or a master's degree in occupational therapy. · Successfully completed a minimum of 1000 hours of fieldwork education. · Successfully passed the certification examination administered by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapist or met provincial registration qualifications. In USA an Occupational Therapist: · Can be credentialed at either the professional (occupational therapy) or technical (occupational therapy assistant) level. · Completes a baccalaureate, entry-level master's pr entry-level doctoral degree for occupational therapy. · A 2 year associate degree (occupational therapist assistant) programme at one of the 300 accredited programme at collages and universities in the US. · Occupational therapist and occupational therapist assistant must complete a supervised fieldwork programme and pass a national certification examination. · Mandated periodic continuing education requirements. · In January 1st, 2007 occupational therapy was credentialed at post baccalaureate degree level. In United Kingdom an Occupational Therapist have: · Completes a accreditation programme with College of Occupational Therapists at diploma or degree (3 years) or masters (2 years) level in occupational therapy. · Completes supervised clinical internship. · Registered with Health Professions Council to practice. · Mandated periodic continuing education. In Malaysia an Occupational Therapist have: · University graduate from the Ministry of Health College or · Completed a 3 year diploma course from University Technology of Mara and/or a further 2 year degree course. · Completed supervised clinical fieldwork |back to questions| Q:What is a typical first Occupational Therapy session? First the occupational therapist will check a client's physical ability to carry out everyday tasks (strength, co-ordination and balance) and mental abilities such as memory. It involves the assessment, intervention and evaluation of the client in relation to occupational performance in self-care, work, study and leisure. Next the occupational therapist will review which activities a client would like to perform more easily. Then the occupational therapist will look what support is available (things a client needs) to carry out the desired activity (furniture, equipment, clothes) and the surrounding environment (the layout of your home, classroom or your work place). A treatment plan is then drawn up setting out the targeted goals/outcomes with a specific time frame. The plan will be periodically reviewed and adjusted according progress made. A reevaluation of goals and approaches may also be necessary. |back to questions| Q:What Does It Take To Be An Occupational Therapist? It takes a person with these SPECIAL QUALITIES: Creativity - In planning activities and designing tools and equipment that will meet people's needs and interests. Warmth - Toward people of all ages and backgrounds. Flexibility - In revising programs to meet ever-changing needs to keep up with new techniques. Responsibility - For selecting and supervising programme activities to meet specific goals. Determination & Patience - Even when progress is very slow and difficult, the therapist must boost self-confidence and the will to succeed, as well as build strength and skills. |