During my internship at Seaside Occupational Therapy, I have learned many details about how people need certain functions to stay active. Seaside occupational therapy clinic serves both adults and children, and I have gained valuable hands-on experience working with diverse patient populations across the lifespan. I learned how to support clients in developing or regaining skills necessary for daily living, such as fine motor coordination, managing carpal tunnel syndrome, and enhancing cognitive functioning. I observed and assisted with individualized treatment plans, adaptive equipment usage, and therapeutic activities tailored to age-specific needs. Additionally, I have gained an understanding of developmental milestones in children and age-related conditions in adults, while enhancing my communication and interpersonal skills through interactions with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams. This experience has provided a comprehensive foundation in holistic, client-centered care. 

Adult treatment mostly consisted of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, sprained elbows, and overthrown shoulders. I prefer working with children as they have such dynamic functions that they need help with. When working with children, I learned how play therapy is a critical tool, especially for those with autism and ADHD. Through structured play, therapists help children improve social interaction, emotional regulation, attention span, and sensory processing. Play therapy fosters creativity and engagement, making it easier for children to build essential life skills in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. I have also been exposed to speech therapy, as many of the children have co-therapy sessions. I gained insight into how therapeutic play environments can be adapted to meet each child’s specific developmental and behavioral needs, deepening their understanding of neurodiversity.