I have been an Occupational Therapist for 23 years. I am a member of the College of Occupational Therapy, and registered with Health Care Professional Council (HCPC).
I trained at Coventry University graduating in 1996. After initially completing a rotational position in an adult acute setting I have specialised in working with children/young people and their families for 21 years.
I have experienced working within a variety of settings, including inpatient facilities, outpatient clinics, community centres and schools. My role has involved providing Occupational Therapy assessment and recommendations to support a child’s daily living activities, at home, at school, and in their leisure activities. This work has enabled me to develop an extensive knowledge of a wide range of neurodevelopmental needs and diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dyspraxia, ADHD and learning disability. Through all aspects of my work I have developed skills to communicate with people from different professional and personal backgrounds.
As an Occupational Therapist I am interested in learning how children manage activities of daily living. Using appropriate standardised and non-standardised assessment tools I am able to identify a child’s strengths, as well as gaining a greater understanding of their areas of need. I then tailor advice according to the outcome of the assessment, with the aim to enhance occupational performance in daily life.
Since 2003 I have worked within the specialist multidisciplinary team providing holistic assessment for children experiencing neuro-developmental difficulties. During this time I have gained specialist skills and knowledge in the assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I have a special interest in ASD, and Dyspraxia, and the overlap between these and other neuro-developmental difficulties. I also enjoy working alongside a child/young person and their family to help gain a greater understanding of the child’s needs, and supporting the family into the future for the child to achieve their potential.