A children’s Occupational Therapist has additional knowledge about childhood conditions and child development. They have particular expertise in working with babies, children and young people.
An Occupational Therapist aims to help children with physical needs to take part in everyday activities and be as independent as possible.
Occupational Therapists may be asked to see a child if they have:
- developmental difficulties e.g. poor co-ordination, perceptual problems.
- physical disabilities or long-term medical conditions e.g. cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and spina bifida
- suffered a serious injury
- complex needs
Please note that we don't currently offer a service for sensory needs.
Occupational therapists will tailor support to meet each child’s needs. This may include:
- Individual advice or a suggested programme of activities for home / school e.g. to help a child learn to dress themselves
- Assessment for specialist equipment e.g. seating, hoists, writing equipment
- Advice on how best to position and handle a child
- Advice on how to adapt the children’s environment at home and at school to support their care and independence e.g. using the bathroom, joining in lessons. We work closely with our colleagues in the Community Team. They may provide specific training for families and school staff on how best to help and individual child or young person.
We will always try to work in partnership with the children and young people themselves, their families and any other professionals involved.
We are based at Kimberworth Place but may visit patients in their own homes or at school or nursery.
Children can be referred by health visitors, school nurses, learning support services, mental health practitioners, social workers, GPs, their school SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) or any other healthcare practitioner.
If you are concerned about your child, please speak to any of the above people to discuss a referral.
