Occupational Therapy for Young Adults
Building Practical Skills for Independence
Independence requires more than just insight. It also demands the use of practical skills for navigating daily life and all its challenges. Occupational therapy at Cornerstones of Maine helps young adults bridge the gap between understanding challenges and developing the concrete abilities they need to thrive.
For many of our clients, the path to independence has been blocked by executive functioning challenges, sensory processing differences, or developmental hurdles that make daily tasks feel overwhelming. Occupational therapy helps clients break down these barriers with practical, hands-on interventions tailored specifically to young adults.
What is Occupational Therapy?
When most people hear "occupational therapy," they think of physical rehabilitation. But for young adults struggling with the transition to independence, occupational therapy serves a different purpose. Our OT team focuses on the "occupations" of emerging adulthood—everything from managing a living space to navigating college coursework, to understanding and meeting workplace expectations.
The work isn't focused on correcting deficits. It's about building capacities, harnessing strengths, and developing personalized strategies that enable each young adult to function at their best in everyday situations.
The Rubedo Program for Neurodivergent Young Adults
Our Rubedo program offers specialized occupational therapy services on site in our dedicated neurodivergence-affirming residence—a program that meets young adults where they are, while helping them move towards greater independence.
Occupational Therapy Focus Areas
Executive Functioning
Basic organizational systems can mean the difference between living a successful life and drowning in overwhelm. Our occupational therapists teach clients practical skills for:
- Focus
- Follow through
- Memory strategies
- Organization
- Planning
- Prioritization
- Task initiation
- Time management
This is not just general life skills training. Occupational therapists create systems customized to each individual to work with their unique processing style and strengths—so they can live their best lives successfully.
Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation
Many young adults—especially those with autism spectrum differences—struggle with sensory processing issues that make everyday tasks difficult. Our occupational therapists help Cornerstones clients:
- Build environments to support their best functioning
- Create strategies for accommodating sensory input
- Find their personal sensory preferences
- Practice self-advocacy skills
- And more
Interventions like these help young adults learn to exist in environments that might otherwise be overwhelming, expanding their ability to engage in a variety of social settings.
The neurodivergence-affirming residence at our Rubedo program even has a dedicated Sensory Room, where clients can experiment with and utilize their new skills.
Life Skills Development
Independence requires mastery of countless practical skills that many young adults haven't had the opportunity to develop. Our occupational therapy program provides hands-on practice with:
- Financial management
- Home maintenance and organization
- Meal planning, shopping, and cooking
- Social skills for workplace and community
- Time and schedule management
- Transportation navigation
- And more
Clients are guided and supported every step of the way to capable.
Academic and Vocational Support
Many of our clients have struggled in educational or workplace settings—despite having strong intelligence and abilities. Our occupational therapists provide support for:
- Adaptive technologies and tools
- Interview preparation and communication skills
- Managing workplace sensory environments
- Study skills and learning strategies
- Workplace accommodations and advocacy
- Workspace organization and setup
- And more
With a new toolbox, young adults can succeed in settings where they may have previously struggled or felt overwhelmed.
Step Into Life with Occupational Therapy
At Cornerstones of Maine, occupational therapy isn't restricted to scheduled sessions. Our OTs work within our residences and community spaces, providing in-the-moment coaching and implementing strategies in real-world situations. This approach means that skills developed during therapy are immediately applied and reinforced in daily life.
Our occupational therapists work closely with our clinical team, life skills coaches, and academic and vocational specialists to ensure that interventions are consistently applied across all aspects of our program. This integrated approach creates a cohesive experience where young adults receive support for both the emotional and practical challenges of independence.
Our Occupational Therapy Team
Our therapists bring specialized training in:
- Adaptive skills development
- Assistive technology integration
- Cognitive-behavioral strategies
- Executive functioning interventions
- Neurodevelopmental approaches
- Sensory processing and integration
- And more
Each member of our OT team has extensive experience working specifically with young adults during the critical transition to independence, understanding both the developmental challenges and practical needs of this unique life stage.
Experience the Difference of Skilled Occupational Therapy
If your young adult has struggled with the practical aspects of independence despite having the desire and capability to move forward, our occupational therapy services might be the missing piece. By combining clinical understanding with concrete skill development, we help young adults bridge the gap between potential and practical success. Contact our team today to learn more about our occupational therapy services and how they complement our residential treatment, transitional living, and aftercare programs for young adults.