I often see faces going blank, when I introduce myself as an Occupational Therapist. Though the profession has existed in India since 1950, very few know about it and its importance in our health field. Underneath the long winding definitions and jargons, Occupational therapy is that which focuses on helping you achieve your functional independence. In order to get a clear picture about Occupational therapy, you must understand the relevance and significance of the term “functional independence” in your day to day living.
A dermatologist, as you know, specializes in treatment of ailments affecting the skin. Likewise, Occupational therapy encompasses treatment that helps a person with disability achieve independence in every aspect of his living that he considers vital.
Consider a simple example of your morning routine. Grooming, toileting, dressing, feeding yourself (referred to as Activities of Daily Living ADL) are everyday tasks or functions that is performed without a second thought. But, what if you lacked the ability required to hold your toothbrush, didn’t have the coordination to button your shirt or couldn’t perform any of those tasks without relying on assistance from another (spouse or parent)? What, if these difficulties prevented you from effectively performing your duties and roles in the household, workplace or at school?
Occupational therapy focuses on the big picture. Instead of confining treatment to the presenting symptoms (lack of attention, poor grip strength etc), OT places more importance on the effects these impairments have on one’s life, in turn negatively affecting the Quality of their life.
As Occupational therapists, we strive on helping you regain the abilities or skills (be it physical, cognitive, emotional or social) essential for performing daily tasks and roles. Our aim is to constantly help an individual with disability attain his maximum potential of rehabilitation, independence and to improve his quality of life.
This is achieved through framing a treatment plan that targets strengthening one’s abilities, remediating the deficits and also through modifications and accommodations. For example, a student is referred due to poor handwriting skills. He is found to have poor grip strength, which makes it difficult to hold a pencil for long. The therapist may plan a treatment that consists of activities to strengthen his grip (remediating the deficit) or give the pencil an extra padding to increase the girth (modification). This makes it easier to hold the pencil. Every individual is unique, so is their problem. Therefore therapy is tailor made for each client.
Over the years, individuals having disabilities are on the rise. One hears of children having Autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy etc and wonder how they cope in life. For a parent of a child having special needs, worry is a constant companion. Undergoing Occupational Therapy is necessary for such individuals, as with therapy, children can be taught to attain a near normal life. Through OT sessions, various needs of these children like, caring for self, interacting with others, learning to engage in play and developing skills necessary for education are addressed. The child and his/her parents are equipped within the skills and techniques that allow them to face challenges and to enjoy life. In brief, occupational therapy helps an individual with disability to live life with dignity.
Written by
Sarah Mary Joseph
Sr. Occupational Therapist
Prayatna, Centre for Child Development, Cochin.