Occupational Therapy Terminology

Fine Motor Skills:

Refers to the precise and coordinated movements of the fingers to perform tasks. Fine motor skills are necessary for completing daily tasks such as dressing (using buttons/zippers), feeding (using meal time utensils), being a student (using a pencil, keyboard, or scissors), and leisure/play activities (drawing, playing musical instruments).

 

Visual Motor Integration:

Visual motor integration is a complex skill set that encompasses many underlying skills such as visual perception, motor control, and eye-hand coordination. It refers to the ability to translate a visual image, or a visual plan, into an accurate motor action.

 

Visual Perception:

Refers to the brain's ability to make sense of what the eyes see. 

 

Sensory Processing:

Refers to the way the brain receives messages from the sensory receptors and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses.

 

Activities of Daily Living:

Refers to activities related to personal care. At school, examples include self-feeding (utensil use, managing containers), dressing (putting on and zipping coats, clothing fasteners, shoes), managing personal items such as backpacks, and hand washing.