Therapists may help stroke or head injury patients relearn lost skills. Patients with chronic conditions, such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis may need to learn how to adapt to physical limitations. Employees with work-related injuries may need rehabilitation or work adaptations to perform their jobs. Both groups are also required to complete supervised fieldwork and pass a national certification exam. Individual states may have additional educational requirements.
Some children have a condition called sensory integration dysfunction.
These students have problems processing all of the stimulating information in their environment. They may be under-responsive to stimuli and become hyperactive, seeking loud sounds, or playing in unsafe situations. Some are over-responsive to stimuli, being afraid, withdrawn, or unwilling to try new things. The American Occupational Therapy Association says about 25 percent of occupational therapists work in schools. Here, they help students who have difficulties related to learning or the educational environment.