Overview
Occupational Therapists (often known as OTs) help people do everyday things. These are called “occupations”. For children and young people, this usually means looking after themselves, playing, and taking part in learning.
Occupational Therapists look at the skills a child uses to do these daily activities. They may give advice and support to help the child join in and take part in ways that matter to them.
Some children find everyday activities hard because they process sensory information differently. This may not be the only reason. Children’s Occupational Therapists have the skills to identify a child’s sensory strengths and differences, and how these affect daily life. This is one part of their assessment.
Extra training can be done. But occupational therapists do not need an extra qualification to assess or work with sensory processing differences. The Health and Care Professions Council, which regulates occupational therapists in the UK, does not ask for this.
There are many ways to assess a child’s skills. Occupational therapists try to make this fun and centred around the young person. Their main role is to focus on what the child needs to do in daily life, not only on sensory issues. This follows guidance from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
Occupational therapists should maintain their occupational focus. Sensory issues must be considered in the context of the person’s occupational engagement and performance within relevant environments
Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) 2021