Occupational therapy for motor, psychomotor and cognitive disabilities

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Extract from the article: Occupational therapy is a medical and therapeutic paramedical speciality with medical, psychosocial and educational foundations. Occupational therapists are health professionals who provide support to people with disabilities or difficulties in their

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Occupational therapy is a medical and therapeutic paramedical speciality with medical, psychosocial and educational foundations. Occupational therapists are health professionals who provide support to people with disabilities or difficulties in their daily lives. What does an occupational therapist do? What does he or she treat? When should you consult one?

The word « occupational therapy » comes from the Greek « ergon » (work, activity) and « therapia » (treatment). Occupational therapy is designed for people of all ages suffering from disabilities, particularly motor, psychomotor and cognitive impairments. It is considered a paramedical speciality and is practised by occupational therapists, who always work under medical prescription. As experts in rehabilitation, they provide solutions to disabilities in everyday life, as well as in the workplace and at school, using different types of care, advice and educational activities.

What does an occupational therapist treat?

Occupational therapists work with all types of population, from infants to the elderly, in all types of disability: psychological, neurological, rheumatological, traumatological, etc. They can be called on in the early stages (post-trauma/rehabilitation) and later (rehabilitation), using a variety of methods: activities of daily living, making splints, adapting the home/workplace, etc. They take charge of patients when a health problem limits their ability to take care of themselves, get around, communicate, have fun, work or study.

Who can consult an occupational therapist?

Occupational therapists can be called in at various times and for a variety of reasons: for prevention, after an injury, in a situation of temporary disability, or more generally when an illness or any other reason limits a person's ability to carry out their daily activities independently (caring for themselves, getting around, working, various daily tasks, etc.).

Occupational therapy treatment is generally prescribed by a doctor for people suffering from disabling conditions such as: multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple disabilities, autism and various malformations; permanent or temporary disabilities resulting from an accident or trauma; psychomotor disorders; developmental delays in children (learning disabilities); and motor disorders associated with old age.

What happens during an occupational therapy consultation?

Before starting treatment, the occupational therapist assesses the day-to-day difficulties faced by the disabled person, using practical scenarios. He or she also studies the environment in which these difficulties arise (at work, at school, at home) in order to make certain adjustments (e.g. specific work equipment) and suggest suitable rehabilitation exercises. Depending on the nature of the disability, different techniques can be used, such as re-education and rehabilitation through movement or play activities (e.g. psychomotor development in children). Learning technical skills helps to compensate for a disability that prevents a person from carrying out a task.

Where does an occupational therapist work?

Occupational therapists usually work in hospitals, re-education and functional rehabilitation centres for adults and children, as well as in homes for the elderly, or as freelancers. Patients are referred to them by their doctors.

How do you become an occupational therapist?

Occupational therapists hold a state diploma that takes 3 years to complete after the baccalauréat, in training institutes approved by the regional councils and in partnership with universities. The institute may be public or private. Occupational therapists can also continue their studies at Master's or doctoral level to specialise in a particular field.

William O.

Article validated by Adiel Lotri, Occupational therapist in mental health (Lomé-Togo)