Activity Analysis

Last week we did an activity analysis lab, and each member in a group of five planned an activity and taught it to the rest of the group. The purpose of the project was for us to gain an understanding of the purpose and process of activity analysis, particularly for occupation-based activity in occupational therapy interventions. I found this assignment to be very informative and challenging! What seems like a simple task can be broken down into numerous steps with multiple client factors and performance skills all playing a role. Being able to analyze an activity and provide each client with a "just right challenge" is crucial in being a skillful OT. It is important to not ask too much from a client, but also just as important to avoid asking too little. We learned how to grade each activity up or down in order to provide an appropriate challenge for clients with different physical, mental, social, and sensory challenges. It is important to always keep in mind that EVERY client is a unique individual, and every intervention plan should fit to his or her goals. Occupational therapy is not about "cookie cutter," repetitive exercises and tasks; it is about helping clients return to their former functioning level, allowing them to do occupations that are important to them.