OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND PARTICIPATION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Abstract

Neurodevelopmental disorders such as Global Developmental Delay (GDD) and Intellectual Disability (ID) are characterized by notable impairments in cognitive abilities, adaptive behavior, motor skills, social interaction, and communication. These restrictions have a significant impact on a person's capacity to pursue fulfilling careers in home, school, workplace, and community settings. The focus of modern occupational therapy practice is on contextually sensitive, evidence-based, and participation-oriented interventions that put functional engagement ahead of isolated skill learning. A thorough occupational therapy viewpoint on job achievement and involvement in people with GDD and ID is presented in this chapter. The chapter combines empirical data with clinical reasoning using globally accepted theoretical frameworks, such as the Global Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), the Person–Environment–Occupation (PEO) model, the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), and the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E). Assistive technologies, family-centered practice, occupation-centered intervention tactics, assessment methods, and environmental adaption are all critically examined. Additionally emphasized are cultural and environmental factors that are pertinent to low-resource and varied environments. The purpose of this chapter is to assist educators, occupational therapists, and rehabilitation specialists in providing moral, evidence-based, and participation-focused treatment that improves independence and quality of life for people of all ages.