Occupational therapy is a form of treatment that utilizes occupations or tasks to complete activities of daily living.1 It has applications across generations: toddlers to adults benefit from how OT promotes independence and self-esteem and improves quality of life.2 While occupational therapy benefits many age groups, the reason for its implementation varies based on the
Those who work with children with special needs fill a need that 17% of children have, making them critical members of the workforce.1 These children may have challenges in physical language, learning or behavior areas. Professionals can work with them to overcome difficulties and impact their lifelong development.1, 2 Children with special needs and special
Neurodivergence refers to the variations in how someone learns, processes, or behaves.1 One type of neurodivergence is autism, a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social skills, speech, nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.2 However, autism is not the only type of neurodivergence. Understanding the differences between neurodivergent vs autism—and recognizing each individual’s unique needs—is critical
Child development is a vital field for helping children progress through key developmental milestones.1 Without child development careers, there would be no teachers, therapists or coaches to help children with their mental, physical and emotional progress. A degree in child development opens doors to various professions that stem from an underlying desire to help children
Neurodiversity-affirming care is a practice founded on accepting each person’s differences and celebrating our individual strengths.1 For those who are neurodivergent, the shift towards neurodiversity-affirming practices can come with a significant mental health boost by celebrating diverse ways of thinking and fostering a sense of belonging, rather than framing differences as challenges to be fixed.2
In your rewarding career as an occupational therapist (OT), you will help people get back to doing the activities that give their lives meaning. With a wide range of occupational therapy specialties, job opportunities span a variety of work environments. It’s a thriving profession, with 11% growth projected from 2023 to 2033.1 When interviewing for
Congrats! You’ve chosen a graduate program and are ready to begin your application. An important piece of the graduate school application is your statement of purpose, also called a personal statement or letter of intent.1 Admissions committees will review this statement to see if you are a good fit for their school. Your statement of
Meet Sabina Khan, PhD, OTD, MS, OTR/L, Assistant Professor of OT programs at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) Miami. Dr. Khan is a globally recognized women’s health specialist and scholar passionate about public education and community building. Her journey into health equity advocacy didn’t begin through research or in a university
Originally Published on GlobeNewswire The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) proudly announces that Dr. Sabina Khan is the first occupational therapist to be honored with the 2025 Vince Hutchins Leadership Award by the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs on March 17 at the AMCHP Annual Conference. This prestigious national award recognizes exceptional leadership in advancing
At the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, being a “force for good” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a guiding principle that students live by. Every month since 2022, occupational therapy (OT) students on the St. Augustine, FL campus have volunteered with the local nonprofit St. Francis House to make and serve food for families
Autism is a spectrum disorder that is characterized by challenges in social skills, speech, nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.1 Autism manifests differently in each child. The best therapy for autism may vary from one individual to another. An individualized treatment plan tailored to each child’s unique needs is ideal when exploring therapy for an autistic
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a type of neurodivergence that often manifests in childhood but can affect children and adults.1 ADHD can cause inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity — all symptoms that create challenges in daily living.2 Over time, these struggles can eat away at someone’s mental health and self-esteem.3 When addressing these challenges, the key lies