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Occupational Therapy
Glossary

Occupational Therapy Glossary (Malaysia)

23 OT terms explained in plain language for Malaysian families.

A

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

The basic self-care tasks everyone does every day — bathing, dressing, toileting, eating and mobility.

Adaptive Equipment

Everyday items redesigned so people with limited strength, range or coordination can use them independently.

Assistive Technology

Any device or software that helps someone do a task they would otherwise struggle with — from reachers to voice dictation.

B

Bilateral Coordination

Using both sides of the body together in a controlled, coordinated way.

E

Executive Function

The brain's management system — planning, organising, starting tasks, controlling impulses, remembering steps.

F

Fine Motor Skills

Small, precise movements of the hands and fingers — writing, buttoning, using scissors, tying shoelaces.

G

Gross Motor Skills

Large movements of the arms, legs and trunk — running, jumping, climbing, catching a ball.

H

Hand-Eye Coordination

Using vision to guide hand movement — threading a needle, catching a ball, pouring a glass of water.

I

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

More complex daily tasks that let you live independently — cooking, shopping, managing money, using transport.

J

Joint Protection

Techniques taught by OTs to reduce strain on painful or damaged joints during everyday tasks.

M

Motor Planning (Praxis)

The brain's ability to figure out, plan and carry out an unfamiliar physical task.

O

Occupational Therapist

A licensed healthcare professional who helps people of all ages do the daily activities they need and want to do.

Occupational Therapy

A healthcare profession that helps people regain independence in daily activities — from dressing and eating to working and going to school.

OT Assessment

The first structured session in which an occupational therapist identifies strengths, difficulties and goals before treatment begins.

P

Proprioception

Your body's sense of where it is in space — the "sixth sense" that lets you touch your nose with your eyes closed.

R

Referral

A formal request from a doctor, teacher or other professional asking an OT to assess or treat someone.

S

Self-Regulation

The ability to manage your arousal, emotions, and behaviour in response to what's happening around you.

Sensory Diet

A planned routine of sensory activities scheduled through the day to help a child stay regulated.

Sensory Integration

The brain's ability to organise information from all the senses into smooth, useful responses.

Sensory Processing

How the nervous system receives, interprets and responds to information from the senses.

Splint

A custom-moulded support that holds part of the body — usually the hand or wrist — in a specific position for healing or function.

V

Vestibular System

The inner-ear system that senses head movement and position, keeping you balanced and oriented.

Visual-Motor Integration

The ability to use what your eyes see to guide what your hands do — the foundation of handwriting, catching, and cutting.