Q: What do you enjoy most about being an occupational therapist? 

 

A: "I have always loved health science and helping people. Being an OT allows me to mix both passions."

 

Q: When did you decide to become an occupational therapist? 

 

A: "In high school. My senior year."

 

Q: Why did you choose a career in occupational therapy? 

 

A: "The diversity with the field. I can work with people from birth to death. It also allows me to help others reach their full potential."

 

Q: What’s the biggest challenge/reward in working with individuals who require occupational therapy? 

 

A: "The biggest challenge is paperwork. The biggest reward is a sense of pride and accomplishment, for me and my students when they excel."

 

Q: How has ASD personally affected/influenced your life? Do you know anybody outside of the workplace that has ASD? 

 

A: "I don’t have any close relatives or friends that have kids with ASD. However, a good number of students and children I have worked with have an ASD diagnosis."

 

Q: In your opinion, how can we, as a society, move forward from preconceived, negative ideas surrounding those with ASD? 

 

A: "Exposure, awareness and acceptance. It’s a label, but not the whole person."

 

Q: Describe what a typical day is like for you. What do you typically do during sessions? 

 

A: "I usually work with kids on fine or visual motor goals such as pencil grasp, letter formation, handwriting, finger and hand strength and skills, shoe tying, keyboarding, coloring and cutting skills (coordination) or sensory motor adaptations in the school/classroom."

 

Q: What resources do you use/adapt? 

 

A: "I use adapted pencils, pencil grips, adapted scissors, adapted paper, light covers, noise cancelling headphones and various tricks or recommendations for teachers to help kids in class."

 

Q: What is the most important thing you do at school? 

 

A: "Developing a rapport with my students and staff members. I need both to do my job effectively."

 

Q: How do you motivate students? 

 

A: "I figure out what they like and what motivates them and use that to help them achieve their goals."

 

Q: How do you keep them engaged throughout sessions? 

 

A: "Laughter, play and keeping things fun, as best I can."

 

Q: Is there any additional information you would like to share about you, your work, or other professional experiences that would be helpful for me to know? 

 

A: "I really miss my kids and co-workers right now. I also love to see and hear about my kids years later and how well they are doing."