What does an occupational therapist do?
Occupational therapists assess and support individuals across all ages to enhance their ability to engage in daily activities. They address physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional challenges by creating personalised strategies. From children facing sensory processing difficulties to adults needing help with functional skills or mental health concerns, OTs focus on improving independence and quality of life. Through evaluations, interventions, and customised plans, they empower individuals to conquer obstacles in tasks like self-care, motor skills, cognitive abilities, and emotional regulation.
What is the difference between physiotherapy and occupational therapy?
Physiotherapy primarily focuses on restoring physical function and mobility after injury or illness, concentrating on movement and exercise. Occupational therapy, however, focuses on improving daily living skills and addressing cognitive, sensory, and emotional aspects to enable individuals to engage in meaningful activities and routines.
How do I get a referral to you?
You can contact us via our contact page, send us an email or call us.
Are you part of the NHS?
No. We are a private practice.
Please see here for the NHS Children’s OT service.
How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy?
Observing difficulties in tasks like fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, or coping with emotions might indicate a need for occupational therapy. Look for signs such as struggles with handwriting, coordination, sensory sensitivity, or challenges in daily activities. A professional evaluation can clarify specific needs.
How can an OT help my child?
Occupational therapists provide personalised support for children, addressing challenges in motor skills, sensory processing, and daily activities. They design strategies to enhance handwriting, coordination, and emotional regulation. Through tailored interventions, OTs empower children to develop essential skills and independence for a fulfilling life.
What assessments do occupational therapists do?
Occupational therapists conduct various assessments tailored to individual needs, evaluating areas such as sensory processing, motor skills, handwriting, cognition, and emotional regulation. Assessments may include standardised tests, observations, and interviews to comprehensively understand and address specific challenges, guiding personalised intervention plans.
Do you diagnose developmental coordination disorder (DCD) or dyspraxia?
No. However, we provide the recognised MABC-2 assessment, which looks at fine and gross motor skills, coordination, and balance. If all of the criteria have been met, we will then refer and share information, with consent, with the community paediatrician to provide a diagnosis.
Do you diagnose Autism or ADHD?
No
Do you diagnose sensory processing disorder (SPD)?
Although there are no diagnostic criteria for sensory processing disorder in the UK, we do screen for sensory processing issues using the globally accepted EASI, for which we will soon be able to schedule appointments.
Do you provide sensory assessments?
Our occupational therapy assessments assess sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, and visual perception and their effects on self-care, productivity, and leisure.
Are you Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) trained?
Dawn has completed training in ASI via a UK-recognized provider, ASI-WISE, up to Module 3 level and will be completing Modules 4, 5, and 6 in 2024.
How much are your assessments?
Our assessments vary in price from £300 upwards.
Do you provide advice for education, health, and care plans (EHCPs)?
Yes. We recommend approaching the local education authority first to request an occupational therapy assessment; however, if this is turned down, we can provide assessments at our current costs.
How much do you charge for treatment, and how long are therapy sessions?
Treatment is charged at £85 per hour. The length, frequency, and number of sessions are dependent on the child. We also offer blocks of six sessions at a reduced price.
We do not have a minimum number of sessions and work with families to create treatment packages that fit with the child’s needs.
Where are you based?
We are based in Truro and have a therapy clinic space that we use, which is based in Threemilestone Industrial Estate.
Do you carry out home or school visits?
Yes. We can provide home and school visits to anywhere in Cornwall or Devon and further afield upon discussion. These are charged at our hourly rate plus travel time and mileage from Truro (travel time charged at £40 per hour and £0.70 per mile).