What is the Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach?

• A. A client-centered, performance-based, problem-solving approach that enables skill acquisition through guided discovery.
• B. A standardized test for measuring motor coordination.
• C. A passive therapy model emphasizing repetition without feedback.
• D. A pharmacological intervention to enhance cognitive function.

Answer: (A)

CO-OP centers on the child solving real daily-occupational problems through guided discovery, using cognitive strategies to improve performance. The therapist acts as a coach, helping the child pick a meaningful task, set a clear performance goal, and then plan, try, and reflect on strategies to reach that goal. The child learns by thinking aloud, self-instructing, and monitoring progress while practicing in authentic settings, with feedback that guides discovery rather than giving direct step-by-step instructions. The GOAL-PLAN-DO-CHECK cycle structures this process. Because it focuses on active problem solving and strategy use to acquire and generalize skills, it isn’t a standardized test, nor a passive repetition model, nor a pharmacological intervention.