ADLs
This is the term for everyday activities that people do to occupy time and bring meaning and purpose to life, including things people need to, want to, and are expected to do.
Occupations
This term refers to difficulty producing or understanding language.
Aphasia
This organization is the primary professional organization for OT in the U.S.
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
This sensory system helps you know where your body is in space without looking.
Proprioception
These are the six types of occupations according to the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT).
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), Health Management, Education, Play, and Social Participation
This explains why a child may become dysregulated during challenging tasks and need support before continuing.
Emotional Regulation
This organization is the primary professional organization for OT across the world and includes 110 countries.
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)
This sensory system detects internal body signals that helps the brain monitor the body's physiological state, including hunger, heart rate, breathing, and pain
Interoception
Cooking, shopping, and managing money fall under this category.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) or activities that support daily life within the home and community.
This motor speech disorder affects the ability to plan and coordinate speech movements.
Apraxia
OT played a major role in rehabilitation during this major historical event.
World War I (WWI)
Heavy work activities primarily target this sensory system.
Proprioception
This underlying skill is often targeted when a child has difficulty orienting clothing correctly (e.g., front vs. back).
Visual Perceptual Skills or Body/Spatial Awareness
This skill is required to follow 2–3 step directions and complete activities in the correct order.
Sequencing
OT originally emerged from this movement emphasizing quality of life and meaningful activity through handwork for soldiers following World War I.
Arts and Crafts Movement
This term describes the brain’s ability to change and adapt due to experience.
Neuroplasticity
This underlying skill helps explain why children should first practice buttons and zippers at a table before using them on their body.
Body Awareness, Spatial Awareness, or Proprioception
This executive function skill impacts a child’s ability to start tasks independently, even when they know what to do.
Task Initiation
This DVPT occupational therapist is an avid horse enthusiast
Sharran
This was the original name for OT practitioners who served in the US Army in the 1900’s.
Reconstruction Aides
This reflex is associated with startle responses and can impact emotional regulation if retained.
Moro Reflex