Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on supporting individuals of all ages to participate in activities that they want or need to do. Occupational Therapy involves a holistic and client-centred approach that considers the individual’s physical, psychosocial, environmental and cultural factors. Occupational Therapy aims to improve quality of life by promoting health, well-being, and participation in meaningful activities.

Occupational Therapy generally involves assessment to identify and understand an individual’s needs; intervention to support an individual to address challenges and achieve their goals; and progress review to ensure intervention is effective and resulting in meaningful change for the individual.

Occupational Therapists (OTs) provide Occupational Therapy services. OTs work with individuals across the lifespan, including those who experience difficulties with functioning in daily life due to health conditions, disabilities, injuries, and aging-related issues. OTs work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, medical and/or rehabilitation centres, schools, clinics, private practices, and within the community. OTs can work in several areas of practice (e.g. mental health, women’s health, children’s health, aged care) or specialise in a specific area (e.g. educating others, working with neurodivergent individuals).

Occupational Therapy Assessment

At Neurodiverse Therapies, Occupational Therapy assessment involves evaluation of an individual’s abilities, and identifying challenges and opportunities to flourish in daily life.

The assessment process typically involves gathering information about a person’s:

• Relevant medical history – current and/or relevant medical conditions, injuries and disabilities
• Current symptoms affecting daily activities of living
• Current challenges to daily life
• Current supports

This information is then used to guide which assessment tools to use. These tools may include standardised and non-standardised tests, clinical observations, interviews, and self-report measures.

We offer different assessment packages depending on your needs and budget, and options will be discussed with you at your initial consult.

Assessments offered by us include:

• Neurodiversity screening – for people who suspect they are neurodivergent and are wanting information to understand themselves better, discover strengths, and build skills
• Functional assessment – to determine an individual’s strengths and  challenges in daily life, and if supports are required because of their challenges
• Needs assessment – to determine the barriers and enablers to an individual’s health and wellbeing, and what supports are required to address the barriers 

Although we offer clinic-based and telehealth services, we can also offer site visits upon request, if deemed appropriate by the therapist.

Once the assessment is completed, the occupational therapist will collaborate with you to develop meaningful goals, as well as a treatment plan. Progress reviews are conducted at the end of a block of intervention.

Occupational Therapy Intervention

At Neurodiverse Therapies, we offer specialist Occupational Therapy intervention that is:

• neurodiversity-affirming
• person-centred
• goal-informed
• skills-based

Our Occupational Therapy intervention involves coaching, psychoeducation, and skill development to empower individuals and families to flourish in daily life.

One example of a specific, evidence-based intervention we use is Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (The CO-OP Approach^TM). The CO-OP Approach^TM is a performance-based therapy that can be used for individuals who have difficulties performing the skills they want to, need to or are expected to perform. It is an active (not passive), highly customised, and client-centred approach that engages an individual at the meta-cognitive level to solve performance problems.

The CO-OP Approach^TM is an internationally acclaimed therapy by therapists and researchers. The objectives of The CO-OP Approach^TM are: skill acquisition, development of cognitive strategies, generalisation of skills and strategies into daily life, and transfer of learning to new skills and contexts. At Neurodiverse Therapies, we can use this approach to assist individuals to discover, develop and practise cognitive strategies to develop or improve the following skills:

• Personal – self-confidence, self-advocacy, goal setting, goal achievement 
• Self-care – dressing, tying shoelaces
• Household – meal planning and preparation, daily routines, energy conservation, task pacing
• School or work – reading, writing and digital literacy
• Social – connecting with and communicating with others
• Leisure – finding interests and activities for enjoyment, relaxation and connecting with others
• Community engagement – public transport planning, navigating public spaces
• Cognitive regulation – planning, organisation, time management, flexibility, problem solving, decision making, working memory
• Emotional regulation – self-awareness, stress management, resilience

The CO-OP Approach^TM is focused on enabling success and independence by employing collaborative goal setting, dynamic performance analysis, cognitive strategy use, guided discovery, and enabling principles. These elements are all considered essential to The CO-OP Approach^TM and are provided within a structured intervention format. Caregiver involvement is incorporated where appropriate.

Please note, The CO-OP Approach^TM is not suitable for all individuals, and suitability must be determined by a certified therapist. However, research has found benefits of The CO-OP Approach^TM for:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Developmental coordination disorder (DCD)
• Developmental disabilities
• Dyslexia
• Older healthy adults with cognitive complaints

Information sourced from: The CO-OP Approach – Icancoop; Publications – Icancoop; and training undertaken by Dr Micah Perez, who is a certified CO-OP Therapist. To become a certified CO-OP Therapist requires additional training.

Watch this TED Talk video to hear about the success of the CO-OP Approach^TM from Occupational Therapy Professor Emeritus Helene Polatajko: The problem with cookie-cutter physical therapy  | Helene Polatajko | TEDxToronto.

Telehealth Occupational Therapy

Telehealth Occupational Therapy is a form of Occupational Therapy that utilises telecommunication technologies to deliver therapy services to individuals remotely. It involves the use of videoconferencing, phone calls, and other digital communication methods to connect our Occupational Therapists (OTs) with clients who are unable to attend in-person appointments.

Telehealth Occupational Therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its convenience and accessibility. Patients who live in rural or remote areas, have mobility issues, or have busy schedules can benefit from receiving therapy services from the comfort of their own homes. The therapy sessions are conducted in real-time, allowing therapists to observe clients performing activities and provide feedback and guidance as needed.

OTs use telehealth technology to provide a wide range of services, including assessments, interventions, education, and consultations. They may use digital tools to help clients improve their executive function skills, motor skills, cognitive abilities, and overall quality of life.

Telehealth Occupational Therapy has been found to be effective for a variety of conditions, including stroke rehabilitation and chronic pain management. It has also been shown to be cost-effective compared to traditional in-person therapy sessions. It can also be used as a way to provide caregiver coaching to empower caregivers to effectively support their children at home.

In conclusion, Telehealth Occupational Therapy is a convenient and effective way for clients (and families) to receive therapy services remotely. It utilises telecommunication technologies such as videoconferencing and phone calls to connect occupational therapists with clients who are unable to attend face to face appointments (e.g. at a clinic or private practice).