Occupational Therapy’s Role with Children and Youth

Occupational therapy practitioners work with children, youth, and their families, caregivers, and teachers to promote active participation in activities or occupations that are meaningful to them. Occupation refers to activities that support the health, well-being, and development of an individual (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2014). For children and youth, occupations are activities that enable them to learn and develop life skills (e.g., preschool and school activities), be creative and/or derive enjoyment (e.g., play), and thrive (e.g., selfcare and relationships with others) as both a means and an end. Occupational therapy practitioners work with children of all ages and abilities through the habilitation and rehabilitation process. Recommended interventions are based on a thorough understanding of typical development, the environments in which children engage (e.g., home, school, playground) and the impact of disability, illness, and impairment on the individual child’s development, play, learning, and overall occupational performance.