Occupational therapists

Our job is to work with children and young people to help them lead an active and independent life.

We look at what each child does in their day-to-day life, and help find solutions to things which are difficult. This might be playing a musical instrument, cooking, playing games with their friends, attending school and managing tiredness.

These solutions might involve teaching the child or parents new skills or adapting the environment.

We can help with:

• washing and dressing - practising parts of the tasks and gradually increasing the complexity
• writing - changing the way the child holds the pen or pencil
• hand pain and finger movement - providing splints and exercises/stretches
• back and neck pain - changing sitting posture and providing advice on suitable seating
• energy levels - teaching the child and parents how to manage their day-to-day activities
• self organisation and planning - breaking down tasks and teaching strategies
• return to school/college - liaising with school staff to make adjustments as needed to enable the child to participate as fully as possible
• relaxation and sleep - looking at mindfulness techniques and sleep patterns.

Your child's appointment

We see children in hospital, either as inpatients or outpatients.

Sometimes we use a clinic room, gym or a specialist suite which has a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom to practise the skills children need at home.