The perception of occupational therapy by special school teachers in Hong Kong

Teachers are the main partners of pediatric occupational therapists in special schools. Their understanding of occupational therapy influences the provision of occupational therapy programmes in schools. Two hundred and sixty‐three special school teachers were surveyed about their perception of occupational therapy in four areas: definition of occupational therapy, occupational therapists' clientele, domain of concern, and treatment media. Results showed a poor understanding. The majority of respondents did not recognise the contribution of occupational therapists' in the treatment of children with mental handicap or emotional difficulties. More than half of the respondents knew neither occupational therapists domain of concern nor the treatment media. Occupational therapists were seen to work solely with children with physically disabilities in the aspects of work and home related functions. The best known role of occupational therapists was prescription of aids and equipment. The results indicated that occupational therapists should direct their effort to educate and promote occupational therapy to other professionals and to the public. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.