Functional Skills and Occupational Therapy

Functional skills are the building blocks of daily life. These are the practical abilities that allow individuals to take care of themselves, manage a home, interact socially, and participate in school or work. When someone struggles with these tasks—due to injury, disability, developmental conditions, or age-related decline—occupational therapy can make a life-changing difference.

Occupational therapists help people build or regain the skills needed to live as independently and confidently as possible, using evidence-based strategies tailored to each individual’s needs.

What Are Functional Skills?

Functional skills refer to the everyday tasks we often take for granted—things like brushing teeth, using cutlery, managing money, shopping, or catching public transport. These tasks are divided into two categories:

  • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Basic self-care tasks such as washing, dressing, feeding, toileting, and grooming.
  • Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs): More complex skills like cooking, cleaning, using a phone, managing medications, and navigating the community.

Difficulties with functional skills can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to live independently and participate fully in life. They may rely more on others, experience frustration, or withdraw socially.

Signs of Functional Skill Challenges

Functional skill challenges can look different depending on age and context. Common signs include:

  • Struggling with personal hygiene or dressing routines
  • Difficulty managing time, money, or medications
  • Avoiding social settings or group activities
  • Challenges with handwriting, food preparation, or mobility
  • Requiring frequent prompts to complete basic tasks
  • Becoming easily overwhelmed by multi-step activities

These issues may stem from physical limitations, cognitive difficulties, sensory sensitivities, developmental conditions such as dyspraxia or emotional factors such as anxiety or low confidence.

How Occupational Therapy Helps

Occupational therapy (OT) provides a personalised, goal-driven approach to improving functional skills. After an initial assessment, an occupational therapist creates a tailored intervention plan focused on the person’s goals and daily environment.

Key Components of OT Intervention:

Assessment and Goal Setting

  • Functional evaluation: OTs assess fine/gross motor skills, cognition, sensory processing, and emotional wellbeing to understand specific challenges.
  • Collaborative goals: Clients (and their families where appropriate) set realistic, meaningful goals—whether that’s preparing a meal, getting dressed independently, or using public transport.

Task Breakdown and Skill Building

OTs teach individuals how to approach tasks step by step, often using visual schedules, checklists, or adaptive equipment to support learning.

Cognitive and Executive Function Support

For those struggling with attention, memory, or organisation, OTs introduce strategies to improve planning, sequencing, and task completion.

Sensory Regulation

Sensory processing difficulties can affect focus, tolerance, and independence. Therapists use sensory-based activities to help regulate responses and improve engagement in tasks.

Physical and Motor Development

For those with reduced strength or coordination, exercises and practical tasks help build stamina, balance, and control.

Functional Activities Used in Therapy

Effective OT sessions often use real-world tasks to teach functional skills. Common activities include:

  • Cooking simple meals: Practising sequencing, safety, and fine motor skills
  • Self-care routines: Brushing teeth, using zippers, tying shoelaces
  • Money handling: Learning to use cash or a card in real shopping scenarios
  • Public transport practice: Planning routes, reading timetables, boarding safely
  • Home tasks: Vacuuming, making a bed, doing laundry
  • Community outings: Ordering food, attending appointments, asking for help

The focus is always on building confidence through repetition, gradual progression, and positive reinforcement.

Supporting Independence and Confidence

Functional skill development goes beyond physical ability—it’s about self-esteem, autonomy, and participation in meaningful life roles. Occupational therapists work closely with families, schools, carers, and employers to embed strategies across home, work, and community settings.

By improving daily functioning, therapy empowers individuals to take ownership of their routines, reduce reliance on others, and enjoy a better quality of life.

When to Seek Occupational Therapy

If you or someone you care for is regularly struggling with everyday tasks—whether due to a new condition or long-standing challenges—it’s worth consulting an occupational therapist. Early support can prevent further complications, such as social isolation, dependency, or poor mental health.

In the UK, referrals can be made through a GP, local authority, or private service. Therapists may work within NHS teams, private clinics, or community settings. Make sure to choose a practitioner experienced in your specific area of need and who offers personalised home or school-based support.

You can contact us here to learn more or make an enquiry.