Getting Support from an Occupational Therapist

Understand the Role of an Occupational Therapist

What Do OTs Do?

Occupational therapists work to support individuals in overcoming physical, emotional, or sensory challenges that affect daily living. Their focus is on enabling independence and improving quality of life.

Examples of Support Areas:

Daily Living Skills:

• Example: Developing step-by-step plans for tasks like cooking, dressing, or cleaning.

• How an OT Helps:

  • Observe how you currently complete tasks.

  • Suggest adaptations or tools to make tasks easier.

  • Example: Using a long-handled reacher to pick up items.

Sensory Processing:

• Example: Helping you manage sensory sensitivities in noisy or bright environments.

• How an OT Helps:

  • Conduct a sensory assessment to identify triggers.

  • Develop a sensory diet (a personalised plan of sensory activities).

  • Example: Recommending noise-cancelling headphones or weighted blankets.

Emotional Regulation and Coping Skills:

• Example: Teaching relaxation techniques to manage anxiety.

• How an OT Helps:

  • Provide strategies like mindfulness, grounding techniques, or using a stress ball.

  • Support with identifying and managing emotional triggers.

Time Management and Routines:

• Example: Creating a structured daily schedule to reduce overwhelm.

• How an OT Helps:

  • Use visual aids, apps, or timers to plan and monitor tasks.

  • Example: Setting reminders on your phone for meal times or medication.

Environmental Modifications:

• Example: Adapting your home or workplace to make it more accessible.

• How an OT Helps:

  • Assess your environment and recommend changes.

  • Example: Installing grab rails, ramps, or ergonomic furniture.

Social and Community Engagement:

• Example: Helping you build confidence in attending social or community activities.

• How an OT Helps:

  • Provide role-playing or practice scenarios for social interactions.

  • Recommend local community groups or activities that match your interests.

Identify Why You Might Need OT Support

Step-by-Step Process:

List Your Daily Challenges:

• Example: “I struggle with remembering steps for cooking meals.”

Prioritise Your Needs:

• Focus on areas where you’d like the most help first.

• Example: “Managing my sensory triggers is my top priority right now.”

Think About Your Goals:

• What do you want to achieve with OT support?

• Example: “I’d like to feel more comfortable using public transport.”

Consider the Benefits of OT Support:

• Example: Learning new strategies could make everyday tasks less stressful and help you feel more independent.

Accessing an Occupational Therapist

Ways to Access OT Services in the UK:

Through the NHS:

• Contact your GP to request a referral.

• Example: “I’d like to see an occupational therapist to help with my sensory sensitivities and daily routines.”

Through Local Authority Social Services:

• Request a care needs assessment if you need help with daily living.

• Website: Find Your Local Council

• Example: “I need support with tasks like bathing and cooking.”

Through Education Settings:

• If you’re in school, college, or university, ask about accessing an OT through your education provider.

Through Private Occupational Therapists:

• If NHS services are unavailable or have long waiting times, consider private options.

• Find Private OTs: Use the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) directory (www.rcot.co.uk).

Through Charities:

• Many charities provide OT services or can help you access one.

• Example: Scope or National Autistic Society (NAS) (www.autism.org.uk).

Prepare for Your First Appointment

Write Down Your Challenges:

• Include specific examples to help the OT understand your situation.

• Example: “I often forget to turn off the stove while cooking.”

Note Your Goals:

• Share what you want to achieve.

• Example: “I’d like to create a daily routine that helps me manage my time better.”

Bring Relevant Documents:

• Diagnosis reports, sensory assessments, or letters from other professionals.

Ask Questions:

• Examples:

  • “What strategies can you recommend for managing noise sensitivity?”

  • “Can you help me find tools to make cooking easier?”

How an OT Can Help with Different Aspects of Daily Life

Daily Living Skills:

• Examples of Support:

  • Breaking tasks into smaller steps (e.g., brushing teeth or washing dishes).

  • Using checklists or visual aids to track progress.

  • Recommending assistive devices, like jar openers or button hooks.

Sensory Processing:

• Examples of Support:

  • Creating a sensory diet tailored to your needs.

  • Teaching calming techniques, such as using weighted blankets.

  • Identifying sensory-friendly clothing or materials.

Home Modifications:

• Examples of Support:

  • Installing grab rails in the bathroom.

  • Recommending noise-dampening materials for quiet spaces.

  • Adjusting lighting to avoid overstimulation.

Social Skills:

• Examples of Support:

  • Role-playing conversations to build confidence.

  • Identifying safe, supportive social activities.

Managing Work or School:

• Examples of Support:

  • Suggesting ergonomic desk setups.

  • Helping create a plan for sensory breaks.

  • Teaching organisation techniques, like using colour-coded folders.

Follow-Up and Ongoing Support

Track Progress:

• Use a journal to note improvements or ongoing challenges.

Communicate with Your OT:

• Share what strategies are working and where you need more help.

Request Regular Reviews:

• Example: “Can we adjust my sensory diet to include more calming activities?”

Stay Engaged:

• Practice the strategies recommended by your OT consistently.

Access Support for the Process

Who Can Help You Access OT Support?

Support Workers or Advocates:

• They can help communicate your needs to healthcare providers.

Charities and Organisations:

• Scope: Offers disability support (www.scope.org.uk).

• National Autistic Society (NAS): Provides information and support (www.autism.org.uk).

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):

• Offers support with NHS services.

• Website: Find Your Local PALS

Use Tools and Resources

Websites:

• Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT): www.rcot.co.uk

• NHS Occupational Therapy Guide: NHS OT Services

Apps for Support:

• Time Timer: Visual timers for task management (www.timetimer.com).

• Notion or Evernote: Apps to organise tasks and routines.

Practice Self-Compassion

Acknowledge Your Efforts:

• Seeking OT support is a big step forward.

Take One Step at a Time:

• Focus on small, achievable goals.

Celebrate Your Progress:

• Reward yourself for milestones, no matter how small.

Final Thoughts

This guide provides detailed steps, examples, and resources to help you access and benefit from occupational therapy. By working with an OT, you can develop strategies and adaptations that improve your independence and overall quality of life.