Occupational therapy (OT)

What it is

Occupational therapy (OT) is a therapy that helps people develop the skills needed for daily activities — including fine motor skills, self-care, and tasks of everyday life. It supports independence in children and adults affected by hydrocephalus.

Understanding Occupational therapy (OT)

Occupational therapists help with the practical skills of daily living — such as fine motor coordination (using the hands), self-care tasks (like dressing and feeding), and, in children, skills needed for play and school. For a child with hydrocephalus whose development is affected, OT can support these skills and help adapt activities. For adults, OT can help with daily functioning and adapting to any challenges. Occupational therapists assess needs and provide individualized strategies and exercises, often working alongside physical and speech therapy as part of the support team. Occupational therapy is one of the core supportive therapies in hydrocephalus. Understanding its role helps families see how everyday skills and independence can be supported.

Why it matters

Understanding occupational therapy's role helps families see how daily-living and fine motor skills can be supported to promote independence in children and adults affected by hydrocephalus.