In working with a client who has bipolar disorder, what is the COTA's approach when educating the employer about the client's condition?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of addressing behaviors and environmental barriers that can affect a client with bipolar disorder in the workplace. By educating the employer about how certain behaviors linked to the condition and environmental factors might impact job performance, a COTA can facilitate a more supportive work environment. This support might include adjustments in workload, communication styles, and recognizing signs of mood shifts that can influence the client's performance.

Reducing behaviors associated with bipolar disorder can help in managing symptoms and maintaining more consistent performance. Addressing environmental barriers—like high-stress situations or lack of flexibility in work hours—can also assist in creating a workplace that accommodates the client's needs, thus enhancing overall job performance and stability.

In this context, while the other approaches—maintaining performance of component skills, preventing secondary disability, and delaying deterioration of performance skills—are important, they do not directly engage with the employer about the modifications that can be made to support the client in their work environment, which is critical in managing bipolar disorder effectively in a professional setting.