What Can an Occupational Therapist Actually Help With?

Image of a house with chairs, headphones, cup and book around the house

When people hear the words occupational therapist (or OT), they often think it’s only for people recovering from an injury or needing help at work. But actually, occupational therapy is all about supporting people to live their everyday lives — in a way that works for them.

For neurodivergent individuals, especially those with co-occurring health conditions, this support can be life-changing. The problem? Most people don’t even know they’re eligible.

Let’s change that.

💡 So… what is occupational therapy?

At its heart, occupational therapy helps you do the things that matter to you, even if you’re facing physical, emotional, or sensory barriers.

"Occupation" doesn’t just mean your job. It includes:

• Washing and dressing

• Cooking or preparing food

• Managing sensory input (light, sound, touch)

• Moving safely around your home

• Getting to appointments

• Managing energy or pain

• Maintaining relationships and routines

• Taking part in hobbies or social activities

  
  

If these things are tricky due to a health condition, disability, or neurodivergent need — you have the right to support.

🧠 OT Support for Neurodivergent People

Many neurodivergent people struggle with daily life not because they’re “not trying hard enough,” but because the systems around them aren’t built for their brains or bodies. An OT will take time to understand: 💭 How your neurodivergence affects everyday tasks 🍳 What’s overwhelming or inaccessible — like cooking, getting dressed, or leaving the house 🛁 How to adapt routines so they’re realistic, not exhausting 🔄 Where executive dysfunction or fatigue are making life harder than it needs to be

Specifically, an OT can:

• Recommend sensory supports (e.g., ear defenders, blackout blinds)

• Suggest environmental changes (e.g., kitchen layout, work setup)

• Help with routine planning that works with executive dysfunction

• Identify equipment that helps with mobility or fatigue (e.g., shower seats, perching stools)

• Support access to benefits and housing adaptations

• Liaise with schools, workplaces, or care teams to ensure your needs are understood

• Assistive equipment

• Energy-conserving strategies and pacing plans that actually work for your brain

  
  

You don’t need to "prove" you're struggling — your lived experience is valid. This isn’t about “becoming independent.” It’s about making life more possible, less painful — and truly yours 💜

📝 How do I get referred to an OT?

You can:

• Ask your GP for a referral (mention specific areas of difficulty)

• Speak to Adult Social Care and ask for a Care Act needs assessment — they can include OT support as part of this

• In some areas, you can self-refer to the local OT team (check your council website)

We know this part can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve had to fight to be taken seriously. That’s why we’ve created free guides to help you prepare:

👉 Check out our guide on Identifying Health Service Needs and our guide on Getting Support from an Occupational Therapist for step-by-step tools you can use when requesting support.

🧡 You don’t need to do life the “normal” way. You just need it to work for you.

Occupational therapists are here to help you do exactly that — not to “fix” you, but to help you live more freely, comfortably, and confidently in your own space.

If you're unsure what to ask for or how to describe your needs, we're here to help. Pop us a message or explore all of our free downloadable resources at neuroempowered.org — created by and for people just like you.

With warmth — The NeuroEmpowered Team