Why Practicing Two Tasks at Once Can Help After a Stroke After a stroke, many people experience changes in both movement and thinking skills. Everyday activities often require us to do more than one thing at a time, so occupational therapists sometimes include "dual-task" activities during therapy to help prepare people for real life. For example, a person might practice walking while counting backward, reaching for objects while naming items in a category, or getting ready in the morning...

The American Occupational Therapy Association (2020) states, “Occupations have the capacity to support or promote other occupations. For example, children engage in play to develop the performance skills that later facilitate engagement in leisure and work.” Summer is the perfect time for children to grow and learn through play! Many everyday summer activities naturally support developmental skills. Here are some fun, meaningful ideas to help children build important skills through...

After an illness, injury, surgery, or a long hospital stay, it's common for the arms and hands to become weak or stiff. Starting gentle movement early—as recommended by a healthcare provider—can help people regain strength, prevent stiffness, and make everyday tasks easier. Using our arms and hands is essential for daily activities like getting dressed, brushing our teeth, eating, bathing, writing, cooking, and returning to work or school. Occupational therapists help people practice these...