If you’ve ever wondered what does an occupational therapist do, you’re not alone. Many people hear the term “OT” but aren’t exactly sure what it means or how it could help them or their child.
Occupational therapists play an important role in supporting people of all ages to build independence, develop skills, and participate fully in everyday life. In this blog, we break down what occupational therapy involves, who it can help, and what to expect from working with an OT.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy focuses on helping people participate in the “occupations” of daily life. These occupations aren’t just jobs they include everyday activities such as:
- Getting dressed
- Eating and feeding
- Playing and learning
- Writing and using school tools
- Managing emotions and behaviour
- Completing work or study tasks
- Living independently at home
So, when people ask what does an occupational therapist do, the simplest answer is: they help people do the things they need and want to do in everyday life.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do for Children?
For children, occupational therapists focus on building foundational skills that support learning, development, and participation in daily routines.
An OT may help a child with:
- Fine motor skills
These are the small movements needed for tasks like:
- Holding a pencil
- Using scissors
- Buttoning clothes
- Drawing and handwriting
- Gross motor and coordination skills
This includes:
- Balance and coordination
- Running, jumping, and playground play
- Body awareness
- Sensory processing
Some children find it hard to process sensory information like sound, touch, or movement. OTs help children:
- Manage sensory sensitivities
- Stay calm and regulated
- Engage more comfortably in everyday environments
- Emotional regulation and behaviour
Occupational therapists support children to:
- Understand and manage emotions
- Develop coping strategies
- Improve attention and focus
- Play and social participation
Play is a key part of development. OTs help children:
- Build play skills
- Interact with peers
- Join group activities
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do for Adults?
Occupational therapy is not just for children. Adults also benefit from OT support in many areas of life.
An OT may assist adults with:
- Recovery after injury or surgery
- Managing disability or chronic conditions
- Improving workplace performance
- Building independent living skills
- Mental health support and daily routines
The goal is always the same: improving independence and quality of life.
Where Do Occupational Therapists Work?
Occupational therapists work in many different settings, including:
- Homes
- Schools and childcare centres
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Community settings
- Aged care facilities
At organisations like National 360, OTs often work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Behaviour Support Practitioners and Early Childhood Practitioners.
What Happens in an Occupational Therapy Session?
If you’re still wondering what does an occupational therapist do in a session, here’s what you can usually expect:
- Initial assessment
The OT will learn about strengths, challenges, routines and goals.
- Goal setting
Goals are developed based on what is most important to the individual or family.
- Therapy activities
Sessions may include play-based activities, practical skill-building tasks, or environmental strategies.
- Home or school strategies
OTs often provide recommendations to support progress outside of sessions.
- Assessments and Reports
Occupational Therapists may also complete targeted assessments and write reports to support funding, equipment, or support applications. For example, an OT may conduct a Functional Capacity Assessment as part of a NDIS access request or prepare reports to support the prescription of equipment’s such as wheelchairs, or other assistive technology. While these assessments are often completed as part of ongoing therapy, they may also be provided as a standalone service when required.
When Should You See an Occupational Therapist?
You might consider seeing an OT if a child or adult is experiencing challenges with:
- Everyday self-care tasks
- Learning or school participation
- Behaviour or emotional regulation
- Sensory sensitivities
- Motor skill development
- Independence at home or in the community
Early support can make a meaningful difference in building long-term skills and confidence.
How Occupational Therapy Supports Families
Occupational therapists don’t just work with individuals they also support families and caregivers by:
- Providing practical strategies for home routines
- Supporting behaviour and emotional understanding
- Helping adapt environments for success
- Building confidence in daily caregiving routines
The goal is to make everyday life easier, more functional, and more enjoyable for the whole family.
How National 360 Can Support You:
At National 360, our Occupational Therapists work with children, adults and families across Australia to support independence, participation and wellbeing. Whether you’re exploring occupational therapy for yourself, your child or a loved one, our team can provide personalised support to help achieve meaningful goals.
- Private funding, including Medicare-funded sessions through GP referral (where eligible)
- Aged Care pathways
No matter your age or stage of life, our team can help you access the right supports to achieve your goals and participate more fully in everyday activities.
Our team works alongside Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Behaviour Support Practitioners and Early Childhood Practitioners to deliver coordinated, person-centred care.
Start Your Journey
If you’ve been asking what does an occupational therapist do and think OT might help you or your child, we’re here to support you.
Visit our Get Started page to learn more or book an appointment with our team.