Occupational Therapy Assistant Practice Exam 2025 - Free OTA Practice Questions and Study Guide

The title of the "Mother of Occupational Therapy" is widely attributed to Eleanor Clarke Slagle due to her pivotal contributions to the field, particularly her development of habit training. Habit training was an innovative approach designed to help individuals establish routines and improve their ability to perform daily activities, which aligns closely with the core principles of occupational therapy.

Slagle's work emphasized the importance of engagement in meaningful activities to promote mental health and well-being, and she was instrumental in creating programs that used structured activities to assist patients in recovering their sense of self and functionality. Her leadership in establishing professional standards and her role in founding the American Occupational Therapy Association highlighted her influence and commitment to advancing the field.

In contrast, while figures like William Dunton and Adolf Meyer made significant contributions to occupational therapy through their respective focuses on medical aspects and mental health, and Dorothea Dix was a notable advocate for mental health reform, Slagle's direct impact on habit training and her foundational role in occupational therapy education and practice solidify her legacy as the "Mother of Occupational Therapy."