Occupational therapists work with individuals who have neurological conditions or have experienced a neurological event and their families to increase the individual’s participation in their “occupations” – necessary and meaningful activities that provide value to an individual’s life. Neurological occupational therapists will complete an evaluation to build an understanding of the person, their strengths, challenges, roles and goals. Through working with the individual, family and involved others, the therapist will develop person- focused goals and treatment activities. These activities often focus on supporting independence with basic activities of daily living and progress to more complicated tasks such as preparing meals, laundry, leisure activities or returning to work depending on the needs of the individual. Treatments often include a combination of strategies to support the development/return of a physical or cognitive (mental) skill, exploring adaptive tools or strategies, as well as adjusting the environment or task to support engagement.
Neurological occupational therapists treat individuals with a variety of diagnoses including, but not limited to:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury
- Dementia
- Spinal cord injury
- Multiple Sclerosis
