Neurodivergent

Did you know there is no “normal” brain? Just like our fingerprints our brains are unique. Neurodivergent is a non-medical term which was first used in Australia by Judy Singer a sociologist who recognised that everyone’s brain develops in a unique way.

People experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways. No two people are the same. Two people can experience the same event and have very different reactions. Two people can eat the same bowl of ice-cream and think different things. If we were all the same the world would be a very dull place.

Neurodivergent is often used to describe Autistic people , those diagnosed with ADHD or those with learning difficulties.

Our differences are not deficits they are often what makes us individual and unique. Being neurodivergent means our brains work differently and at times this gives us a unique perspective on the world around us. We are in fact differently abled.

Sometimes our perspectives can interfere with the things we need or want to do. Occupational therapists like to think out of the box; sometimes we find new ways to do things, and somethings we adapt.

Some examples of the services we provide in this area are:

  • Life skills for independence such as teeth brushing, toileting and personal care- key to your child finding independence and thriving at home and in school.
  • Handwriting – the foundations of handwriting are built on gross and fine motor skills. Our 8-week programme is designed are tired and trusted techniques to allow your child to see improvement in their writing they will be proud of.
  • Sensory Intervention based therapy- we use strategies such as ‘heavy’ work, environmental changes, EcoSensory Therapy, actives, regulating practices, just right state techniques, to calm sensory seeking behaviour, to enhance ability to focus and to support regulation. Interventions aim to have an effect on self-regulation, attention, or behavioural organisation. For more information on our sensory interventions, please click HERE.
  • Learning strategies- these are different for every child, does your child respond to social stories , we use transitional strategies to help engage your child and transition between tasks. Does your child need movement breaks, brain breaks or visual cues to aid their learning.
  • Does your child present with physical aggression. This is often very difficult for parents; we teach replacement behaviours and focus on positive reinforcement.

Whether your child has a diagnosis or is awaiting assessment we can help. We are advocates of early intervention. Your know your child better than anyone ,sometimes accessing help early can be the most beneficial path. Our practice is goal directed by your goals.

The goal of Occupational Therapy is to enable the child to perform functional tasks and activities at home, in school and the community. Looking after themselves, such as dressing, eating, toileting, brushing teeth, bathing/showering etc. Central to our well-being is the regulation of emotions this is an almost constant function of human life and something we do automatically. It helps us respond to and deal with everyday demands in an appropriate way. Research shows that our ability to keep our emotions regulated is important for overall wellbeing.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that may cause children and young people to struggle at home, in school and socially. Children are labelled as difficult or challenging when in reality they are struggling to cope with what should be some of the best times in their lives.

Starting from the position of positive support we teach your child about themselves. What makes them tick? We discover what coping mechanisms work for your little one so that they can enjoy and live their best and fullest life.

Whether diagnosed or not does your child present as

· Fidgety or has difficulty sitting still
· Do they talk excessively and also need attention
· Are they overly energetic or always ‘on the go’
· Do they find it difficult to relax or play quietly
· Do they struggle to stay seated in class or at the dinner table
· Are they impulsive? Often unable to moderate their language and behaviour in social situations and at school.

Occupational therapy assists children to learn valuable skills that sometimes don’t naturally arise due to ADHD. These skills include listening and paying attention and focusing. These skills alongside other ‘tools’ such as emotional self-regulation will equip you and your child moving forward.

• Sleep training
• Visual cues
• Sensory processing
• Social stories
• Proprioception awareness
• Routines
• Sensory diets
• Confidence/Self Esteem
• Mental Health

We support parents to embrace their child’s strengths and the positive side of ADHD. Your wonderful child is creative, energetic and are able to think outside of the box noticing things most of us will never see. They are willing to try new things, are caring ,have a wonderful sense of humour, they are honest ,genuine, charming , loveable and inquisitive individuals. There is no-one like them

• Advice and guidance for parents and carers
• Sensory processing interventions
• Emotional regulation strategies
• Embedding regulation strategies into routine
• Mixing with peers and others
• Managing gross motor related tasks of games, such as riding a bicycle, hopping, throwing/catching a ball
• Attention and executive function development
• Handwriting and/or drawing
• Shoelaces and other fine motor skills training
• We can assist those of any age who have social and communication difficulties.
• Difficulty speaking in social situations such as school or shops.
• Struggle to live independently such as organise their living space.
• Toileting and personal care- one of the most common challenges young people with sensory difficulties face. We can offer practical advice, support and guidance to help your child towards independence in this area.
• Self care
• Empathising with others
• Find ways to regulate emotions using therapies which include arts and crafts, talking therapies, meditation, and mindfulness.

Our methods- these are mixed and depend on your needs:

• Strategies to help with emotional -regulation.
• Cognitive approaches
• Sensory Ladders
• Sensory diet
• Interoception Curriculum
• Proprioceptive activities
• Parent / carer coaching
• Sensory-Motor Approach

Your pathway is based on individual need and is bespoke to your child.

• One to one therapy sessions typically take place on a weekly basis. Sessions are normally 6-8 weeks in length.

• Sessions last for 60 minutes allowing 10 minutes for the therapist to set up and prepare between sessions.

• The session cost also covers clinical note taking and resources used during sessions.