What is Occupational Therapy?
Our therapeutic interventions are grounded in evidence based practice and shaped by a clear understanding of each child’s strengths, challenges and day to day functioning. Using psychological, cognitive, behavioural, neurological, occupational science and sensory integration theory, we provide meaningful, purposeful therapy that supports independence, regulation and participation in everyday life. Sessions are delivered in a fun, engaging and child centred way, with activities tailored to the goals identified through assessment and collaboration with families, education settings and other professionals.
Ayres Sensory Intergration® Therapy
What is Ayres Sensory Intergration® Therapy?
Ayres Sensory Intergration® therapy (ASI) focuses on combining the underpinning neuroscience within the child and therapist interaction in a playful framework. Activities are individually tailored sensory-motor experiences delivered in a sensory rich environment, and supported through the therapeutic relationship between the child and the therapist.
ASI places emphasis on sensory-motor factors and how they affect participation in daily activities. It also focuses on using sensory activities to help a child achieve a calm and regulated state for optimal engagement. Intervention is based on a comprehensive sensory integration assessment and the child’s identified needs.
ASI is grounded in the assumption that the brain is capable of change and is plastic. Research shows increased dendritic branching in response to active engagement in enriched environments, along with improvements in motor performance, active participation and functional performance. Studies also show that motor and neurological changes can occur quickly and can be long lasting.
ASI therapy is characterised by:
- A playful, sensory rich environment
- Individually tailored sensory-motor activities
- A strong therapeutic relationship
- Focus on regulation, participation and functional skills
- Intervention developed from a comprehensive SI assessment
Why ASI matters:
Sensory processing affects sleeping, eating, personal care, play and participation in school activities
Difficulties within SI impact focus, engagement and ability to learn
SI challenges can influence posture, handwriting, behaviour and regulation
Evidence shows ASI improves functional performance, participation and sensory processing abilities in children with Autism Spectrum Condition
Regulation Sessions
Regulation sessions provide children and young people with the opportunity to access our specialist therapy space and equipment under the supervision of an occupational therapist or therapy assistant. These sessions focus on supporting self-regulation, body awareness, and sensory needs through purposeful use of movement and sensory activities.
Structure and frequency of regulation sessions
Sessions may be booked on an ad hoc basis or arranged as a short block of regular sessions (e.g., weekly). Each session is guided and monitored by a member of the therapy team to ensure safe use of equipment and appropriate levels of challenge and regulation.
What is the purpose of regulation sessions
The primary aim of regulation sessions is to help children:
- Explore and use sensory strategies that support calm, focus, and wellbeing
- Develop awareness of their sensory preferences and needs
- Gain confidence in using regulating equipment and tools safely
Boundaries and scope of these sessions
Regulation sessions are not Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) therapy.
- They do not involve formal assessment, goal-directed intervention, or the delivery of an ASI treatment plan.
- Activities are selected to promote regulation and participation rather than to address underlying sensory processing difficulties.
- Typically, individual therapy goals are not set within these sessions beyond the overarching focus on supporting overall regulation.
- The therapist’s role is supervisory and supportive, ensuring sessions are safe and beneficial within each child’s sensory profile.
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy at OT4me takes place in a specialist hydrotherapy pool in York, with each session lasting 45 minutes. This approach is unique because it combines the benefits of water with sensory motor intervention based on Ayres Sensory Integration. Therapy is delivered in a playful and supportive environment, using approaches that help improve movement, body awareness and functional abilities.
Our therapists draw on Sensory Integration principles, the Halliwick training approach and occupational therapy principles to support development. The Halliwick method focuses on body awareness, balance and coordination, using the buoyancy of water to support movement. This can benefit individuals with physical and neurological conditions, helping improve joint mobility, reduce pain and enhance overall function.
What we use in Aquatic Therapy:
- Sensory Integration
- Halliwick training
- Occupational therapy principles and functional development
What are the benefits of Aquatic Therapy:
- Sensory motor intervention based on Ayres Sensory Integration
- The added benefit of development into learning to swim
- Development of daily living skills such as shower work, washing and dressing
- Enhanced safety awareness and skills
- Oral motor development and breathing control programme
Book a free 30-minute call with an OT
We offer a completely free 30-minute call with one of our occupational therapists to discuss how we may be able to help you.
How Occupational Therapy helps
- Supports development of independence skills
- Builds participation in meaningful everyday activities
- Identifies strengths and challenges through standardised assessment
- Uses a combination of evidence based theory and therapeutic approaches
- Provides detailed reports with clear recommendations tailored to the child
Therapy sessions are delivered in a fun, child-centred way, using activities that reflect a child’s everyday occupations such as self-care, play, learning and social participation. The therapist-child relationship and the environment are central to helping children engage, learn and develop.
Client Testimonials
Hear from our customers, some of which have been with us for many years.
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3 simple steps to get started
Step 1: Book a free call with an OT
Your first step is simple: book a free 30-minute call with an occupational therapist to talk about your child's needs.
Step 2: Personalised therapy plan
We listen to your concerns, complete assessments where needed, and design a tailored plan of therapy sessions and strategies for home and school.
Step 3: Progress you can see
Watch your child grow in confidence, independence, and regulation - while you feel supported with clear tools, guidance, and hope for the future.
Our Clinics
OT4me has two convenient locations – Our Headquarters is located in Bishopthorpe and we have a satellite clinic located in Derwent.
OT4me Bishopthorpe
OT4me Derwent
FAQs
1. What issues do you commonly help with?
At OT4me, we support babies, toddlers, children, teens, and young adults who need extra help to overcome barriers and reach their full potential. Many of the children we work with experience burnout, mental health challenges, school non-attendance, sensory processing difficulties, or developmental differences.
We provide comprehensive, tailored assessments and therapy, delivered in our clinic, at home, in preschool or school settings, or through group sessions. Our aim is to help each child build confidence, develop independence, and achieve their goals, creating opportunities that have a lasting impact.
We also focus on helping children become school ready, ensuring they have the emotional, social, and practical foundations to succeed in education and daily life. Families and professionals benefit from our training sessions, which cover topics such as sensory integration awareness, play development, and readiness for school, empowering them to provide effective support.
2. How does OT4me differ from the NHS?
The NHS provides excellent free resources and advice, but families often face long waiting lists and limited hands-on support. At OT4me, we offer more than fast access. We provide a personalised, hands-on approach designed to empower each child’s unique strengths, help them overcome barriers, and build long-term confidence and independence.
You benefit from:
Assessments within 4–6 weeks (not months)
A practical, tailored treatment plan for your child
Specialist expertise in sensory integration, mental health, trauma, and attachment work
Evidence-based practice, applying the latest emerging research
Specialist OT groups in areas such as social participation and feeding support
Ongoing family support through therapeutic parent coaching
Access to our free monthly Ask the Expert groups, where parents and carers can learn and ask questions
Clinical leadership, including co-facilitation of Mental Health & Sensory Training Workshops with ASI WISE, an internationally recognised UK training provider of Ayres Sensory Integration®
3. What does the journey from assessment to discharge look like?
Our structured pathway typically spans 6–8 months, creating opportunities for lasting progress and independence. It may include:
A comprehensive assessment of your child’s needs, strengths, and environment
Tailored treatment such as sensory integration therapy, interoception training, handwriting support, sleep strategies, positive behaviour approaches, Sensory Attachment Intervention, aquatic therapy, Theraplay, environmental audits, and more
Specialist OT groups focusing on social participation and feeding skills
Therapeutic parent coaching, giving you practical tools to support progress at home
Regular reviews to ensure strategies are embedded in daily life, building confidence, independence, and long-term outcomes
4. Why is OT4me considered a worthwhile investment?
Families choose OT4me because we offer more than short-term therapy. We provide specialist, evidence-based interventions that create lasting positive change:
Specialist services in sensory integration, mental health, trauma, and attachment work
Use of the latest research-informed approaches
Internationally recognised clinical leadership, with team members co-facilitating training through ASI WISE (a UK and international provider of Ayres Sensory Integration® training)
Support to help children become school ready, building the skills to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally
A holistic approach combining direct therapy, group interventions, parent coaching, and school input
Free monthly Ask the Expert groups, giving families ongoing guidance and empowerment
This combination ensures every child receives care that celebrates their uniqueness, helps them overcome barriers, and builds the foundations for life-long confidence.
5. Do you offer continued support after diagnosis?
Yes. Beyond therapy, OT4me continues to support families with:
Hands-on post-diagnostic support, tailored for children, teenagers, and young adults
Therapeutic parent coaching, giving parents and carers practical strategies they can use every day
Free monthly Ask the Expert groups, covering sensory needs, emotional regulation, sleep, school strategies, and more
Support with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and ongoing liaison with schools
Opportunities to join specialist OT groups, such as social participation and feeding, offering targeted, peer-supported progress
This continued support ensures children and young people gain confidence, operate more independently, and achieve positive long-term outcomes.
6. Do you work with local authorities, schools, or businesses?
Yes. In addition to supporting families directly, OT4me partners with professionals and organisations to create opportunities for children and young people to thrive in education and later in the workplace:
EHCP assessments, reports, and ongoing support to ensure children’s needs are clearly identified and met in education
Specialist occupational therapy for children and families post-adoption and within foster services, delivered as a registered Adoption Support Fund provider
Tailored assessments, therapy, and training delivered directly within schools and colleges through individual contracts with education providers
Sensory environment audits for businesses and workplaces, helping employers design inclusive spaces that promote wellbeing, focus, and productivity.