OT awareness week

Occupational Therapy Awareness Week is observed from October 3 to 7.

Ms Suraiya Cakirerkan, who is an occupational therapist, said occupational therapy is often based in government physical/psychiatric hospitals and insurance companies.

Ms Cakirerkan said occupational therapy uses activities that are meaningful to clients, to treat their challenges which can be caused by physical, psychological developmental difficulties.

“Occupational therapy aims to promote maximal independence and quality of life by treating clients holistically,” said Ms Cakirerkan

“It is a broad field, treating neurological conditions, children with learning difficulties, infants with development delays and sensory integration difficulties.”

The process of occupational therapy.

•  A referral is made by either a doctor, nurse, psychologist, teacher or the individual.
•  An assessment is carried out to determine strengths, difficulties and treatment aims.
•  Occupational therapists treat clients by using individualised, meaningful activities.
•  Assistive devices may be recommended to assist a client to function as independently as possible, such as wheelchairs or adapted eating utensils.