What Is Occupational Therapy?

_{Reviewed by: My Child Without Limits Advisory Committee}

Occupational therapy, or OT for short, is a treatment therapy that helps people achieve independence in all facets of their lives. Most people think of occupational therapy as a treatment for adults that helps them get back to work, but that is a very narrow definition. "Occupation" in this sense refers to managing all the activities important for independent living. For children, especially, their main job is playing and learning. If your child has physical disabilities or developmental delays, occupational therapy can improve their cognitive (thinking), physical and motor skills as well as address psychological, social, and environmental factors that impact your child's functioning.

How does occupational therapy (OT) differ from physical therapy (PT)?

Sometimes, it's easier to understand your child's need for physical therapy and you might be confused by how occupational therapy can help. Physical therapy deals with the issues of pain, strength, joint range of motion, endurance, and gross motor functioning, whereas occupational therapy deals more with fine motor skills, visual-perceptual skills, cognitive skills, and sensory-processing deficits. Both types of therapy help children improve the quality of their lives.

Which Insurance Plans Cover Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a skilled health, rehabilitation and education service that is covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, early intervention and other school programs. You should check your specific insurance coverage to make sure the program you are considering is covered and to what extent.

Next:

Who performs the Treatment?

Download the Introduction to Occupational Therapy.