Occupational Therapy Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
MOHO MOHO
A conceptual practice model explaining how occupation is motivated, patterned, and performed within environmental contexts.
ACLS
A standardized assessment tool used to evaluate cognitive functioning and determine appropriate intervention strategies.
Activities of Daily Living
Basic self-care tasks evaluated and treated by occupational therapists to assess functional independence.
activity analysis
The systematic examination of an activity to understand its component parts and therapeutic potential.
Activity Configuration
An assessment tool that examines how a client organizes and structures their daily activities across time periods.
activity demands
The specific elements of an activity that influence the type and amount of effort required for successful performance.
adaptive equipment
Devices or tools modified or designed to enable individuals with disabilities to perform daily tasks more independently.
AMPS
A standardized assessment that measures the quality of task performance through observation of motor and process skills...
AOTA
The national professional organization representing occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in the U...
apraxia
A neurological condition affecting the ability to plan and execute purposeful movements despite intact sensory and motor...
ataxia
A neurological condition characterized by lack of muscle coordination and irregular, unsteady movements.
bilateral integration
The neurological ability to coordinate and use both sides of the body together in a smooth, simultaneous, or alternating...
biomechanical approach
A treatment framework focusing on improving range of motion, strength, and endurance through exercise and positioning.
Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement
A theoretical framework emphasizing the dynamic interaction between person, environment, and occupation to enable occupa...
CARF
An independent accrediting body that establishes standards for rehabilitation and human services organizations.
client-centered practice
An approach that recognizes clients as experts in their own lives and emphasizes collaboration in treatment planning.
clinical reasoning
The cognitive process occupational therapists use to plan, direct, perform, and reflect on client care decisions.
co-occupation
Occupations that involve two or more individuals and require shared physical and/or mental effort.
cognitive rehabilitation
Therapeutic approach used by occupational therapists to address cognitive impairments and improve functional performance...
cognitive-behavioral approach
A therapeutic framework that addresses the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to promote adaptive fu...
compensatory approach
A therapeutic strategy that teaches alternative methods or uses external aids to work around permanent impairments and a...
constraint-induced movement therapy
Evidence-based intervention that restrains the unaffected limb to promote use of the affected limb following neurologica...
contextual modification
Changes made to physical, social, cultural, or temporal environments to support occupational performance.
COPM
Canadian Occupational Performance Measure: a standardized assessment tool measuring client-perceived occupational perfor...
CPPF
A systematic framework used by Canadian occupational therapists to guide client-centered practice processes.