When working with families, the entire family's needs are considered, rather than just the specific needs of one particular individual. By working with the family as a cohesive unit, the capacity to care for one another improves and promotes satisfying lives. Collaborating with family and treating everyone as equals maximize the effectiveness of the services that are offered. Often, occupational therapists working with families support caregivers such as parents to empower them to be advocates for their children. Occupational therapists often use a strengths-based approach to help families identify and value what a child can do rather than focus on the impairments. To help parents with this approach, occupational therapists assist caregivers in growing knowledge and skills, along with the confidence to enable them to access, identify, and support their children and family to the best of their ability. Connecting families with support networks such as other families who share similar needs is another method that occupational therapists often employ. Occupational therapists also support families by recommending access to community programs such as community recreational programs or focus groups.
