Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Austria

Abstract

Occupational therapy for children and their parents/caregivers has similar foci internationally. However, there are differences in service provision for pediatric clients depending on the health care system, education system, and professional developments in response to the political, social, and demographic context. “Think global, act local,” an essential statement also promoted by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, may be a guiding principle when introducing Austrian pediatric occupational therapy as related to education, practice, and research.

Keywords:

• Pediatrics
• occupational therapy
• Austria
• Europe

Notes

¹Until 2000, occupational therapists had to have practiced for 3 years on a full- time basis under supervision from a physician before they were allowed to offer occupational therapeutic services as a private practitioner.

²1 ECTS corresponds to 25 hr workload.