I’d like to hear about the specific duties of occupational therapists, what the job market is really like, and if occupational therapists find the career rewarding. Also, what kind of traits make a person a good occupational therapist?

(I am thinking of enrolling in an occupational therapy program after I graduate, and I would like to find out the information I can’t obtain from the Occupational Outlook Handbook.)

Thank you!

How old do you have to be and what is a typical day like? What do you do and do you like your jobs? Being an aide, do it make you want to go all the way and become either a physical therapist or occupational therapist? I need some advice because I am thinking about getting a job as an occupational therapy aide or physical therapy aide.

I work in the field of developmental disabilities, and I love my job, but it just doesn’t pay enough to support my family. I am looking into getting my Masters to be an occupational therapist or rehabilitation counselor, but I want to really understand what these jobs entail in the day-to-day. I have a better grasp on occupational therapy than rehab counseling. Can anyone help me?

My daughter is nine years old and very smart, pretty, and funny. She has high functioning autism, partial complex seizure disorder, memory disorder, coordination disorder, severe expressive-receptive language disorder, etc. She gets speech and occupational therapy at school.
Her speech teacher does not teach social skills training. My daughter is very socially naive and really needs social skills and communication training. I had read somewhere that if your child needs certain therapies recommended by her doctor that the school is supposed to provide it. Does anyone know if this is true and if so who do I contact to get the information?
Her occupational therapist at school does work on some sensory training, but not very much. She mostly works with my daughters handwriting. She only goes to these therapies at school one hour each a week. I feel like my daughter needs more.
We live to far to go to a place where she could get this therapy. I could not afford the gas to go there on top of paying for the therapy. It would be during the week after school and she already struggles with her school work.
My daughter does not do well with transition already. Even if I go to the store after school she does not do well with that.
Any suggestions?