What is Occupational Therapy?

I've mentioned before a few times that I'm going to school to become an occupational therapy assistant and I've mentioned occupational therapy (OT) as a fantastic idea for autistic people, especially for those who want or need help with practical skills without the compliance-based model of ABA. However, a lot of people don't really know what OT is, so I wanted to try to help explain.

In this video, I share about what occupational therapy is, why I want to be an occupational therapy assistant, and why I think it is uniquely helpful for the autistic population.

References:

Sensory Tiles:
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[kikimc]

Occupational therapy as a child helped me with fine motor tasks soooo much. Forever grateful my parents chose that instead of aba

[neurodimensions]

I can totally see you advocating for the value of OT for autistic people as a part of your career. Regardless of what you do, you’ll have a big impact on people’s lives, but maybe you could incorporate educating the public and other professionals. Just a thought I had because this video was so well done :)

[ihmsfmkwd]

I’m starting occupational therapy soon as a newly diagnosed autistic! Hopefully it works well :)

[Chappers]

I had occupational therapy after suffering a neurological condition called transverse myelitis, affecting the spinal column. Had paralysis/numbness in varying degrees around the body and some brain damage. My therapy focused mainly on being able to look after myself safely with making meals and hot drinks, as my balance had been affected and was learning to walk again.

[whitneymason]

I love OT!!! Before my son's diagnosis I didn't really know what OT was. I explain it to others now as their job is to help him with his "occupation" which for him is being a kid :) Big things they helped him with are eating with utensils, play skills especially with his younger sister, strengthening his fine motor skills and coordination, following steps in a sequence, all in a very fun, positive, strength based approach. It's very collaborative too which I really appreciate!

[celticgirl]

Both of my parents are OTs! Exciting to hear you are on the path to becoming an OTA :)

[irisl]

I would love for you to give some more specific examples of occupational therapy. Or more information about it in general.

[lilahartelius]

This is so interesting, thank you for making a video about this. You explained it in a way that really clicked for me. Occupational therapy sounds like a really important thing in the world, with so much potential to help so many people in so many different ways. Really good to know about.

[kyleandrewsmasterson]

Good luck in your future employment endeavors studies as a Occupational Therapist I'm rooting for you I know you can do it!

[JonBrase]

I had OT in elementary school because my handwriting was incredibly poor (and honestly, my motor skills in general were pretty much poor across the board, though *I* never was to concerned by that). Autism was never suspected at the time, but the documentation surrounding my OT is a freaking *gold mine* in terms of documenting DSM-V criteria for autism in my childhood.

"In own world"
"Poor social skills"
"Poor eye contact"

[zk]

Thank you for the video. OT looks great. I always thought it was for people who were physically disabled. I didnt know it could be for Autistic people as well

[JoyBean]

I think you will be very good in this field. I find it can be important to others to have someone advocate for them.. I am sure we all have what it is different and our own viewpoints will be different.

[sweetpea]

As an RN, I can attest to the incredible benefits of OT. And all areas of healthcare need to be focusing on the goals of the patient and not cultural expectations or norms. That concept has been an uphill battle for me in nursing and promoting the care of the individual and have had many arguments with providers and other nurses wanting to tell patients what to do rather than educating and then respecting personal choice. Thankfully, I can attest to seeing a change in healthcare, but we still have work to do.

[klassikbrasil]

Steph, doing great work to help people both online and in real life

[kaishawna]

This sounds better than ABA! Think I might try it out as a newly diagnosed autistic. ❤❤☺☺

[makedreamstangible]

I love your videos. They are super informational!

[Tim_G_Bennett]

I was actually talking about OT with my boss last week! She asked me what it is but I couldn't give her a very good answer, I don't feel so bad about that now. :) We looked it up and was wondering if it's possible to do online? It seems a lot more hands on then CBT. I have problems in life (mostly trying to get organised) but the therapists (CDT) haven't been much help, if any help at all really. I haven't ever heard of one that comes here.

[elibitrick]

I was actually wearing the same exact shirt earlier and I can definitely say it is a rather nice shirt if you're in a cold place just if you're a person who likes the cold don't wear multiple layers of clothes if but otherwise i do like the shirt and I'm rather happy my old aid showed me the Chanelle

[thecreativemastermin]

Can you please do a detailed video on what OT might look like for Autistic adults?

This was more like why you are a fan of OT which became quite clear that you are. I want another video where you take us through what an OT therapist does to help autistic individuals specifically.

[animatordean]

Ive had OT a lot throughout my school years