Occupational Therapy with Children and Young People: A Perspective from the United Kingdom

Abstract

Occupational therapy practice in the United Kingdom is well established and continues to evolve. Traditional methods of service delivery and intervention techniques have developed into more unified services, integrating child and family-centered approaches, which are often occupation-focused. This article details a historical perspective of the development of occupational therapy services shaped around the development of educational, health, and social care models that are in place today within the United Kingdom. An overview of occupational therapy as a profession defines practice before focusing on the development of children's occupational therapy services. The development of policy and legislation within the United Kingdom provides a framework for occupational therapy provision, alongside occupational therapy models of practice. Information is provided regarding predominant service delivery models that are currently in use to support children and families. A range of diagnostic groups are seen by occupational therapists in the United Kingdom. Information is presented that details assessment and interventions that are often utilized by occupational therapists working in these areas. The article provides an insight into these issues and current occupational therapy practice with children and young people within the United Kingdom to date.

The Differing Tiers of School-Based Occupational Therapy Support: A Pilot Study of Schools in England

“…However, differences on the use of the indirect approach were founded. These results confirm that the ways of how OTs work in schools may vary in different areas of England, which was previously described by Dunford, Owen and Kelly (2010) and NAPOT (2005). Therefore, the findings of this study, even though they are limited, can be an example of the permanence of this situation, since this still happens despite the fact that current official documents of England state the potential of change this (DfE & DfH, 2015).…”

Occupational therapists working with children and families: two decades of progress

“…Historically, occupational therapists were concerned with child friendly practice that addressed a child's capacity to be involved in daily occupation and to reduce or prevent impairments (Dunford, Owen & Kelly, ; Rodger & Keen, ). Rodger's published work has been influential in the professions shift towards occupation centred practice that is also family‐centred.…”