Who we work with:
We work with individuals, families, children, local authorises, schools & education providers, case managers and solicitors.
We pride ourselves on being experienced knowledgeable specialists within the field. Our therapists have got extensive experience within a wide range of organisations, including; NHS, Private, Educational and Charity settings. We have also had experience of tribunal cases.
Occupational therapy functional assessment
During our assessment we would consider the following:
- Self-care
- Leisure
- Productivity
- Functional skills
- We work holistically and always with the client at the centre of clinical care.
Self-Care refers to; emotionally, physically, or mentally looking after ourselves. This might include personal care, sleeping, eating.
Leisure includes; play, hobbies or interests which are motivating to us, including with friend, family or alone.
Productivity is the skills needed to be successful within employment, learning at school, volunteering.
Functional skills are the cognitive and motor skills needed to be effective and efficient in everyday activities.
Sensory Integration assessment
During the assessment we would:
- Observe the client in their home environment, this will include engaging the client in play/assessment activities.
- Completion of standardised assessments.
- Observations of client in school or other environments if required.
- Comprehensive report with recommendations for home and education.
- Feedback session to help you understand your report fully and how best to implement recommendations.
Treatment & Intervention
We provide specialist interventions including;
- Sensory plans – this is an personalised devised activity plan, which enables access to the right type and demand of sensory input needed
- Direct Ayres® Sensory Integration Therapy – evidence suggests a small number of sessions improves functionals goals in children with Autism, Pfeiffer (2011)
- Interoception curriculum – The curriculum intervention focuses on improving self-regulation and emotional regulation. Clear awareness of body signals gives important feedback about exactly how you are feeling as well as valuable information about the situation at hand. Noticing the way the body feels and connecting it to an emotion is what motivates purposeful self-regulate behaviours.
- Direct Occupational Therapy therapeutic programmes such as; adapting the environment to improve productivity
- Handwriting programmes / fine motor skill development
- Reduction in behaviours that challenge working within the Positive
- Behaviour Support (PBS) framework
- Review and input into Educational Health Care Plans (EHCP)
Training and workshops
We provide bespoke training / consultation to staff, carers, parents and clients, to upskill care providers to become proficient in supporting the client’s needs.
New for 2021……
- Interoception training for caregivers and schools.
- Improving your child’s engagement and independence within the home.
Feedback from some of our delegates: ‘informative’, ‘inspiring and informative’, ‘it was like stepping into my daughter’s shoes’, ‘fabulous!’ ‘lots of lightbulb moments.. I’ve gained a better insight into my daughter’s life and struggles and where they stem from’. ‘super, thank you!’
Supervision/mentoring & consultation
We provide 1:1 supervision for occupational therapists/sensory integration practitioners (or those working towards practitioner status).
The Health Care Professionals Council requires all occupational therapists participate in continued professional development (CPD). Supervision supports therapist’s practice and skill development through regular structured supervision and is an important part of professional growth.
We offer specialist expert consultation services, including; attendance with multidisciplinary team meetings, review of services and other professional advice.
‘As a supervisor l found Louise to be very helpful, friendly, approachable, transparent and knowledgeable of the topic area of Ayre’s sensory integration approach. I would recommend for supervision’
Occupational Therapist, undertaking SI network level 3 training, August 2020.
Research
All of our therapists are currently part of a worldwide research project called Evaluation of Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI) which is collecting normative data on typically developing children. The aim of EASI is to develop a new comprehensive sensory integration comprehensive measure.
