What Is Occupational Therapy and How Can It Help Neurodivergent Children and Young People?
When it comes to raising neurodivergent children and young people, understanding their unique needs is the first step towards helping them succeed. Occupational Therapy (OT) is a highly effective, evidence-based practice that focuses on helping young people build the skills they need to thrive in their everyday lives. Whether you are interested in an OT assessment to support the EHCP process or simply better understand your child’s needs we can help. SPACE provides full OT assessments for children and young people in Hertfordshire.
As you would expect from SPACE, we offer supportive and impartial advice and are available to answer any questions you might have. If you have any questions please do contact at services@spaceherts.org.uk
Find out more below or you can go straight to booking an appointment.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy is all about helping people do the “occupations” that are meaningful and important to them. For children, this means mastering everyday tasks like dressing, writing, playing, or managing sensory input. OT supports children in developing the fine motor, gross motor, sensory processing, and self-regulation skills needed to navigate the world around them.
How Can Occupational Therapy Help Neurodivergent Children?
Here are just a few ways OT can support neurodivergent children:
Building Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Tasks like holding a pencil, cutting with scissors, catching a ball or climbing on playground equipment can be challenging for some children. OT helps strengthen these skills through fun, engaging activities.
Enhancing Sensory Processing
Neurodivergent people often experience sensory sensitivities or difficulties. An OT can create sensory diets and calming strategies to help children manage overwhelming stimuli in their environment.
Improving Daily Life Skills
From brushing teeth to tying shoelaces, OT can equip children with the tools to build independence and confidence in everyday tasks.
Increasing Participation in Social Activities
Through therapy, children learn how to communicate, share, and engage in meaningful play with others, helping them build stronger social connections.
An Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment can be a really helpful tool to help identify a child’s challenges and provide a tailored plan to help them develop vital skills for everyday life. It can also be a helpful tool for identifying needs and required support for EHCP plans. A full Occupational Therapy assessment with SPACE costs £695.
What Is an Occupational Therapy Assessment?
An Occupational Therapy assessment is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a trained therapist to assess your child’s unique strengths and any areas where they may need additional support. The assessment focuses on essential life skills, motor abilities, and sensory processing to help them overcome barriers to independence.
Key areas assessed during an OT evaluation include:
- Motor skills: Fine motor skills (e.g., handwriting, using utensils) and gross motor skills (e.g., running, jumping, balance).
- Sensory needs: How your child processes and responds to sensory input like touch, sound, and movement.
- Self-care skills: Daily tasks like dressing, eating, and personal hygiene.
Following the assessment, you’ll receive a report with recommendations tailored to your child’s specific needs. This can help both identify needs and provision required at schools and settings to support the EHCP process and also help you feel more informed and empowered to support your child’s development at home.
What Happens During an OT Assessment?
An OT assessment is tailored to each child’s unique needs. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Consultation
Our OT will start by gathering background information, discussing your child’s challenges, and learning about their strengths, routines, and goals.
Observation and Activities
The OT will engage your child in various activities to observe their skills, behaviours, and reactions. These might include:
- Fine motor skills (e.g., handwriting, cutting with scissors).
- Sensory responses (e.g., reactions to textures, sounds, or movement).
- Gross motor skills (e.g., balance, jumping, coordination).
Detailed Feedback and Recommendations
After the assessment, you will get a thorough report with findings and actionable recommendations. This includes practical strategies for home and school and therapy goals.
How Can an OT Assessment Help Neurodivergent Children?
Here are some ways it can help:
Pinpoint Your Child’s Specific Needs
Every child is unique. An OT assessment identifies your child’s specific challenges and strengths to create a tailored intervention plan.
Support the EHCP Process
Our detailed assessments are invaluable in the EHCP process, helping ensure that your child’s needs are fully understood and addressed in their plan.
Build Essential Life and Self-Care Skills
Whether it’s learning to dress, eat independently, or brush their teeth, OT focuses on practical life skills that promote independence.
Improve Sensory Regulation
For children with sensory processing difficulties, OT helps them manage sensitivities or seek sensory input in safe, constructive ways.
How to Get Started
If you think your child could benefit from Occupational Therapy, our team is here to help. Contact our team if you have any questions or are interested in booking at services@spaceherts.org.uk or go straight to booking.