Occupational Therapy (OT) helps children and adolescents develop the skills they need for independence at home, at school, and in the community. OT supports individuals in building the foundational abilities required for success in every meaningful activity of daily life. By addressing the underlying motor, cognitive, sensory, emotional, and behavioral components of function, Occupational Therapy empowers individuals to participate fully, confidently, and independently in their everyday routines.
Through a holistic and individualized approach, OT helps individuals develop the essential skills required not just to complete tasks, but to thrive across all life roles.
Below is a clear breakdown of some of the functional areas that Occupational Therapy can address. OT supports a wide range of additional skills as well—these are just a few examples of how OT helps individuals build independence and succeed in everyday life.
● Putting on and taking off shirts, pants, underwear, bras
● Putting on and taking off socks and shoes
● Tying shoes
● Managing clothing fasteners (buttons, zippers, snaps)
● Tying a tie
● Selecting appropriate clothing for weather/occasion
● Mending small tears/sewing on a button
● Choosing clothing that fits correctly
● Reading and understanding fabric labels
● Folding and putting away clothing
● Using the toilet
● Washing hands
● Taking a shower
● Taking a bath
● Brushing hair
● Brushing teeth
● Washing face
● Flossing
● Shaving (face or legs)
● Menstrual hygiene management
● Applying makeup (for older children/teens)
● Eating lunch in the cafeteria
● Maintaining an organized desk/locker
● Completing homework consistently
● Following the school routine
● Hanging up backpack and coat
● Transitioning to recess
● Using the school restroom
● Getting items from the vending machine
● Navigating to the correct classroom
● Remaining seated at a desk
● Typing on a computer
● Checking out books from the library
● General organization skills
● Using the telephone (calling, answering, safety skills)
● Knowing and stating personal address
● Packing bags and managing belongings at home and school
● Preparing simple meals
● Using the microwave safely
● Retrieving and putting away items in the refrigerator or pantry
● Basic housekeeping tasks
● Doing laundry
● Grocery shopping skills
● Basic money management skills
● Gardening
● Making a shopping or grocery list
● Navigating a grocery store
● Finding items in the store
● Purchasing items at checkout
● Ordering items online
● Completing online checkout
● Using public transportation safely
● Walking safely in the neighborhood
● Crossing streets and parking lots safely
● Understanding basic car safety (e.g., seatbelts, door locks)
● Reading common road and safety signs
● Going to a restaurant
● Going to the mall
● Calling the doctor to make an appointment
● Attending a doctor’s appointment
● Taking over-the-counter medications safely
● Visiting community places (park, movie theater, etc.)
● Cleaning up toys and putting them in the correct bin/basket
● Washing and drying laundry
● Sweeping floors, Vacuuming floors
● Throwing items in the trash, taking out the trash
● Sorting recyclables
● Wiping countertops
● Washing dishes
● Loading the dishwasher
● Hand-washing dishes
● Cleaning the shower/bathtub
● Cleaning the toilet
● Folding clothes/towel
● Putting away clothing, Placing dirty clothes in the hamper
● Folding clothing, Making the bed
● Feeding pets, Bringing in and putting away groceries
● Sorting and organizing household items
● Basic home repairs (e.g., unclogging a toilet or sink)
● Making a sandwich
● Getting snacks from the refrigerator or cupboard
● Preparing a bowl of cereal
● Making toast
● Pouring drinks independently (milk, water, juice)
● Reheating meals in the microwave
● Packing a lunch for school
● Following a basic recipe, Safely using a toaster
● Safely using the oven to prepare a simple meal
● Packing leftovers
● Reading and understanding food labels
● Knife safety skills
● Identifying ripe vs. spoiled foods, Setting the table
● Taking medication safely
● Treating minor wounds
● How to call 911 and what to say
● How to stop bleeding from a small cut
● What to do in a fire
● Responding appropriately in emergencies
● Knowing own address and basic personal information
● Understanding basic medical history/allergies
● Stranger safety awareness
● Using an EpiPen for self or others (when applicable)
Building routines, planning skills, and independence in managing daily responsibilities.
● Waking up on time and getting ready for school/work
● Creating and using daily checklists
● Identifying important vs. non-important tasks
● Meeting deadlines
● Developing consistent daily routines
● Taking care of personal belongings and keeping items organized at home
Supporting early financial literacy and real-life money handling skills.
● Creating a simple budget
● Managing a checking account
● Managing a savings account
● Using an ATM
● Writing a check
● Paying with cash
● Paying with debit or credit card
● Understanding how credit works
● Learning how to save money
● Paying bills
● Understanding the basics of taxes
Helping adolescents learn to manage menstrual care with independence and confidence.
● Understanding menstrual cycles and predicting when a period is due
● Managing feminine hygiene products
● Correctly positioning a pad to prevent leaks
● Safely and effectively using a tampon
● Identifying when a pad or tampon needs to be changed
● Removing and disposing of used products
● Shopping for preferred menstrual products
●Managing leaks on clothing and knowing how to respond
Supporting children in managing emotions, frustration, and behavior across daily routines.
● Maintaining emotional control during games
● Cooperative play and group learning
● Understanding social rules and subtle social cues
● Handling frustration appropriately when losing
● Accepting defeat or disappointment without anger
● Developing coping strategies for strong emotions
○ Deep breathing, Taking a break
○ Problem-solving, Reframing thoughts
● Understanding the impact of behavior on peers (e.g., managing reactions so friends want
to continue playing)
Building the ability to interact with others, handle emotions, and navigate social environments.
Frustration tolerance is a key part of emotional regulation. OT supports development in:
Conversational Skills :
● Turn-taking in conversations
● Listening skills
● Staying on topic
● Asking and answering questions
Interpersonal Skills :
● Sharing, cooperating, and working with others
● Understanding others’ perspectives
● Respecting personal space
Emotional Skills :
● Identifying emotions in self and others
● Using appropriate coping strategies
● Managing strong feelings during social play
Social Play :
● Engaging appropriately with peers
● Joining play groups
● Following group rules
Emotional Development :
● Growing self-awareness
● Showing empathy
● Building positive self-esteem
Emotional Regulation :
● Managing impulses
● Calming strategies
● Problem-solving during conflicts
Peer Interactions :
● Making friends
● Maintaining friendships
● Resolving conflicts respectfully
Self-Awareness & Self-Confidence :
● Recognizing strengths and challenges
● Building healthy confidence in social situations
Social Awareness :
● Understanding social cues
● Reading body language
● Recognizing social expectations
Self-Management :
● Controlling impulses
● Staying focused
● Managing transitions
Relationship Skills :
● Communicating needs appropriately
● Compromising
● Collaborating within group settings
Responsible Decision-Making :
● Understanding consequences
● Making safe and appropriate choices
● Problem-solving in real-life situations
Occupational Therapists help adolescents and young adults build the skills needed to explore careers, obtain employment, and perform successfully in the workplace. Support may include:
● Writing and organizing résumés
● Preparing for job interviews (mock interviews, role-play, communication practice)
● Developing workplace communication and social interaction skills
● Strengthening executive functioning (time management, planning, organization, task
initiation, follow-through)
● Learning appropriate workplace behavior and professionalism
● Understanding job expectations and following routines
● Improving problem-solving and decision-making skills
● Building emotional regulation and coping strategies for work-related stress
● Developing self-advocacy skills (asking for help, requesting accommodations)
● Practicing appropriate hygiene and grooming for workplace readiness
● Learning transportation and community navigation for getting to and from work
● Exploring strengths, interests, and potential career paths