Occupational therapy is a specialist holistic and play-based therapy to maximise a child’s engagement, achievement and independence in everyday activities such as self-care, learning, social interaction and play, despite any physical, social or sensory difficulties.
Occupational therapists are available to support children when they are admitted to an acute hospital or require support in the community either within school or home setting.
What is targeted intervention within OT?
Targeted intervention is aimed at children who require support to develop their movement skills and independence, whereby intervention may be either delivered in a group or individually. Children will be discharged after completion.
Examples of targeted intervention may include:
- Initial assessment
- General report
- School visit by OT
- Telephone call with school or other professionals
- Individual treatment – goal orientated
- Sensory Motor Group
- Hand function Group
- Life skills Group
- Alert programme group
- Sensory Sunflower Parent Training
- Sensory Sunflower Professional Training
- Provision of equipment where required
- Home or school seating review
We also offer training to upskill professionals working with children across health, education and social care.
What is specialist intervention within OT?
Specialist intervention is available for children who have complex needs and require ongoing individual input from an occupational therapist.
Depending on the identified clinical need children may be either discharged or kept on for ongoing review.
Examples of specialist intervention include:
- Sensory assessment
- Detailed report
- Postural management assessment and equipment provision
- Sensory Integration Treatment
- Acute/post-surgical support
- EHCP Reports
- Provision of Lycra garments
- Assessment to support potential Developmental Coordination Disorder diagnosis
- One to One intervention with children with Physical Disabilities
- Environmental assessments
- Palliative care
Services available
Postural management
Available for children and young people aged 0 to 19 who have postural needs and require specialised equipment such as seating and/or sleep systems.
This may support a child with their breathing, feeding and social inclusion. Therapists would also support parents, carers and professionals with moving and handling advice.
Acute OT
Provides assessment and support for children admitted to hospital for elective orthopaedic surgery, trauma and neurological conditions.
Intervention may support personal care, transfers, and equipment provision to facilitate independence and safe moving and handling to support safe discharge.
Community OT
Available for children who attend a mainstream school or nursery aged between 3 and 16 years with physical disabilities, sensory modulation or movement skill difficulties.
Assessment and intervention may take place at West Acklam Centre, home or school.
Our role is to help you to do the things that you are unable to do yourself, and improve your confidence.
What will happen at your appointment?
Postural management
You will be contacted by phone and an appointment will be arranged for your child to be seen either at home, school or nursery.
Specialist equipment will be provided as required and may include seating and support for effective sleeping.
Once equipment is issued it will be reviewed on a regular basis.
Acute OT
The OT will come and meet you and your child on the ward – you may have already received a telephone call previously if this is a planned admission.
Your child will be seen regularly throughout their stay in order to plan a safe discharge home. This may include equipment provision and liaison with other agencies.
Community OT
Typically you will be invited by letter to attend your first appointment at West Acklam Centre.
We will chat to you and your child to understand the difficulties the child may be having and listen to your concerns.
Your child will then participate in a variety of play-based activities which may include balancing, ball skills, climbing, dressing, handwriting and life skills.
We would then identify specific goals for your child and offer advice, strategies and/or treatment intervention as required.
Typically your child would be discharged on completion of this block of treatment.
How to contact us
Occupational therapy is available Monday to Friday between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm.
If your child is admitted to a ward please contact the ward to speak to the OT.
If your child is a community patient please contact Paediatric Therapies on 01642 944506 or email [email protected]
Our address is West Acklam Centre, Birtley Avenue, Acklam, Middlesbrough, TS5 8LA.
Referral form for staff only.