The clinical sciences consist of professionals trained to make life better for every one of us. You should also know that many professionals work in this sector.
Many people do not know about these professionals until the need for them arises. In our experience, occupational and (especially) speech therapists are one of such. Regardless of the level of unawareness about them, professionals that function in this field offer services that benefit some people.
We will talk some more about these professionals here and advise that you keep reading. This is especially so that you can make the most of them if/when the need arises.
Speech and Occupational Therapists Are Not the Same
We did point out that many people are still unaware of these professions and services offered by them. Some that know a bit about them think speech and occupational therapists do the same thing. Well, you should know there are clear-cut differences between both.
This is even though many of their strategies and practices are similar in some ways. Some Prospective therapists even have a hard time deciding to become either speech or occupational therapists. This is just to stress the level of similarities between both.
However, there are differences in professional scope and a few other things. There are even situations that warrant both professionals working together. This is because of the need to integrate the benefits of both therapy sessions as they are different in various ways.
Sometimes, this happens at the same time. Having established this, here are some ways both therapists differ from each other:
The Professional Scope of both Practices
There is no doubt occupational therapists end up using many of the tactics used by speech therapists and vice versa. However, the scope and aim of their therapy session are different.
Speech therapy is more focused on helping the client/patient overcome and (sometimes) manage complications affecting their ability to carry out speech-related functions. It could also help treat eating disorders.
On the other hand, occupational therapy is more holistic in its approach to helping patients overcome their challenges. We like to think about it as all-body therapy. It addresses some speech-related problems but will not do an intensive job as speech therapy would.
The key to benefitting well from either or both is to understand the problem well enough. It is after diagnosis that the right treatment for the patient can be prescribed. As pointed out a few times here, there are possibilities that both clinical approaches to treatment will be engaged.
Age-Centered Treatment
Experience has shown that one of these clinical approaches to treatment is more child-centered than the other. This is about the practices of speech therapists.
We are not saying speech therapy does not work for adults. We also are not saying occupational therapy is not designed for children. However, a closer look at the practices of many therapists has revealed how speech therapy is more child- centered.
The reason for this is not far-fetched. First, parents and guardians at large have communication expectations from children. It is expected that communication milestones are achieved at some stages.
So, these parents or guardians are quick to seek help when this does not happen. Furthermore, it is better if the situation is addressed on time. For instance, it would help children with irregularities in their facial structure exercise muscles that will help them communicate better on time.
On the other hand, occupational therapy is not just for kids, because the ability to perform certain physical tasks can deteriorate as you age. Retirement homes might also conduct occupational therapy for seniors who have difficulty completing day-to-day activities, both physically and mentally.
Professional Training
There are so many similarities in the way both professionals operate. However, the clear-cut differences are the reasons why they undergo different professional training. For more on this subject, you can read this.
For instance, speech therapists are highly trained in dealing with children. The same happens with occupational therapists but more in-depth for speech therapists.
Another instance is that many of these therapists are highly skilled in handling hyperactive children as well as those that need extra motivation to cooperate. We have discovered that the exercises they help these children to perform are centered on getting their full cooperation.
Getting the Best of Speech and/or Occupational Therapy
Several conditions warrant the need for either a speech and/or occupational therapist. If this is the case, you should know many clinics and service providers could be of help.
However, you need to understand certain things to get the best of them. Some of them include the following:
A Treatment that Is Personalized
The treatment and professional practices of the therapist have to be patient-centered. This means it has to be personalized.
This is why there is a need for regular assessment of the state of the patient and level of improvement. This will inform how best to approach treatment going forward.
A good therapist should not have a generalized approach to treating patients. This is also why observation is important for these professionals.
Synergized Treatment Plan
Some cases require the services of both therapists discussed in this article. It could even be more demanding as both have to work at the same time.
A good speech and occupational therapy service provider should be able to properly merge the treatment plans of both professionals. This is so that the patient will benefit at the end of it all.
Regular Assessment
This is very important if progress will be made. It determines which treatment plan should begin, how much of it is necessary, and several other things. Regular assessment of the patient is something that should not be taken for granted.
Well Equipped
A good speech and/or occupational therapy service provider should be well equipped. First, this means they should not be lacking in manpower. Manpower in this context also means the professionals need to be highly qualified to help the patient, as well as experienced.
The location also needs to have all that is necessary to help the patient. This is especially important when dealing with children. You can see Super Talkers Therapy for more information about this.
Conclusion
Many professionals work in the clinical sciences. Speech and occupational therapists are one of them. We have discussed some things you should know about them here.
This is especially by stressing the professional differences between both therapists. We have also discussed a bit about how patients that need their services can get the best of them. We advise that you take this seriously if the need arises.