Occupational Therapy Basics

Welcome to “Occupational Therapy Basics,” a comprehensive foundation course designed for students, new practitioners, healthcare professionals, educators, and anyone seeking to understand the essential principles and practices of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy is a dynamic and holistic health profession that enables individuals across the lifespan to participate in the activities that matter most to them—the “occupations” of daily life. From helping a child with developmental delays succeed in school, to supporting an adult recovering from injury in returning to work, to enabling an older adult to age in place safely, occupational therapists address the whole person and their unique circumstances. This course provides a thorough introduction to the philosophical foundations, theoretical frameworks, assessment processes, and intervention approaches that define occupational therapy practice. Across ten detailed chapters, we will explore the history and philosophy of OT, the occupational therapy process, activity analysis, client-centered practice, the domains of occupation (activities of daily living, work, play, leisure, social participation), the Person-Environment-Occupation model, sensory processing and integration, motor control and learning, cognitive and perceptual skills, psychosocial aspects of occupation, and the role of OT across the lifespan and in various practice settings. Whether you are considering a career in occupational therapy, a professional in a related field seeking to understand OT’s role, or a student beginning your journey, this course provides the essential knowledge to understand how occupation promotes health, well-being, and participation.