What I do as a paediatric occupational therapist

The primary goal of Occupational Therapy is to enable people to participate as fully as is possible in the activities of everyday life.

They incorporate meaningful and purposeful activity or 'occupation' to enable those with limitations or impairments to achieve their full potential.

Occupational Therapists address the question:- "Why does this person have difficulties managing his or her daily activities (or occupations), and what can we adapt to make it possible for him or her to manage better and how will this then impact on his or her health and well-being?" 

Paediatric Occupational Therapists help children develop skills in the areas of self-care, school and play. These are seen as a child's main areas of occupation. By supporting children and enabling them to achieve their maximum potential, Paediatric Occupational Therapists indirectly work on developing confidence, self esteem, social skills and general well being.

I provide therapy and advice for: 

Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD)

Dynamic Splinting

Dyspraxia

Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Auditory Processing Difficulties

Adaptation advice for the child at school and at home

Equipment advice including seating and posture control

Sensory Integration Dysfunction

Developmental Delay

Learning difficulties

Attention Deficit (ADD/ADHD)

Visual Perception Deficit

Physical Impairment

Handwriting development 

As a Paediatric Occupational Therapist, I work closely with children and their families in their homes, schools and other environments. I work with education staff and health care providers to identify areas of need in order to help with specific difficulties. This work comprises:

 Detailed assessment of the child's needs.

 Provision of a comprehensive verbal and written report.

 Treatment plans and programmes based on the needs identified during

 assessment.

 Individual therapy treatment sessions as required.