Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a form of acquired brain injury that occurs when an external mechanical force causes damage to the brain. This can result from incidents such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or assaults. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, leading to a variety of cognitive, physical, emotional, and behavioural impairments. Treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including occupational therapy to support functional recovery and adaptation.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from receiving essential nutrients and oxygen. This can result in brain cell damage or death, leading to impairments in movement, speech, cognition, and daily functioning.

Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in stroke rehabilitation by helping individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life. Through personalized interventions, occupational therapists assist clients in relearning skills necessary for everyday activities such as dressing, eating, and bathing. They also address challenges with motor coordination, cognitive deficits, and visual-perceptual difficulties that may arise after a stroke. Furthermore, occupational therapists provide strategies and recommend adaptive equipment to support safe mobility and participation in work, leisure, and social activities. Their goal is to empower stroke survivors to recover functional abilities and reintegrate into their communities.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from receiving essential nutrients and oxygen. This can result in brain cell damage or death, leading to impairments in movement, speech, cognition, and daily functioning.

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury resulting from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. It often leads to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, sleep disruption, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. Although concussions are considered mild, their effects can significantly impact daily functioning, especially when symptoms persist.

Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in concussion recovery by addressing the functional impairments that arise from the injury. An occupational therapist assesses the individual's cognitive, physical, emotional, and sensory challenges and develops tailored interventions to enhance their ability to perform everyday activities. This may include strategies to manage fatigue and concentration difficulties, adaptations to work or home environments, stress management techniques, and gradual reintroduction to daily routines. By focusing on improving independence and quality of life, occupational therapy supports sustainable recovery and helps individuals return to their usual roles effectively.

Chronic pain is defined as persistent or recurrent pain lasting longer than three months, often beyond the usual course of an acute illness or injury. It can significantly impact an individual’s physical, emotional, and social well-being, limiting daily activities and reducing quality of life.

Occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in managing chronic pain by helping individuals develop skills and strategies to improve function and participation in meaningful activities. OTs assess the impact of pain on daily routines and work with clients to modify tasks, use adaptive equipment, and implement energy conservation techniques. Through graded activity programs and cognitive-behavioural approaches, OTs support pain self-management, helping clients regain control and improve coping mechanisms. By addressing both physical and psychosocial aspects, occupational therapy enhances independence and overall quality of life for those living with chronic pain.

Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience a range of neurodevelopmental differences characterized by challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviours, and restricted interests. These challenges can affect daily living, employment, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Occupational therapy (OT) supports adults with ASD by focusing on enhancing their functional independence and maximizing participation in meaningful activities. OT interventions may include developing social skills, improving sensory processing, adapting environments, and fostering daily living skills such as cooking, budgeting, or time management. For adults with autism, occupational therapy can also facilitate vocational support, helping them to navigate job demands and workplace social dynamics. By tailoring interventions to individual strengths and needs, OT promotes self-confidence and autonomy, contributing to improved mental health and well-being.

Long COVID refers to a range of symptoms that persist for weeks or months following the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can include fatigue, cognitive difficulties (often described as "brain fog"), shortness of breath, muscle weakness, and mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression. The condition can significantly affect an individual's ability to perform daily activities, return to work, and maintain social connections.

 Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with Long COVID by focusing on improving function and quality of life. Therapists assess the impact of symptoms on daily tasks and develop personalized strategies to manage fatigue, enhance cognitive function, and improve physical endurance.

 Interventions may include energy conservation techniques, cognitive retraining strategies, graded activity planning, and environmental modifications to facilitate independence at home and in the workplace. Additionally, occupational therapy supports mental health by promoting coping strategies and addressing stress management, thereby helping clients regain control over their daily lives.