NHS Islington...

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Children’s Occupational Therapy

Who is the service is for?

The Children’s Occupational Therapy Service is for children of all ages who have difficulty doing things they want, or need to do. We help children to take part in everyday activities. This includes play, self care (such as bathing or learning to dress) and taking part in school activities (such as handwriting and using scissors).

Teenagers may need help to develop life skills like managing money, building social relationships and increasing their independence. Children who are referred to the service with difficulties may, or may not, have a diagnosis or a disability.

What does the service do?

• We offer appointments either at home, school or at the Health Centre.
• We will discuss any concerns with you and your child.
• We will look at how your child or teenager’s skills are developing and how they are performing at home and in other settings (nursery, school and the community).
• We will carry out an assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses. Depending on the concerns reported, we may look at areas such as hand function, co-ordination, visual perceptual skills and sensory processing.
• We will speak to other professionals involved (only with your consent) such as teachers or other therapists to gather information about your child.
• We will set goals with you and your child or teenager that reflect your family’s situation and priorities.
• Treatment may not be continuous or long term. We may provide advice or activity programmes, suggest equipment, run groups or see your child individually for a set number of sessions to work on the areas of difficulty identified.
• We will review the goals to determine if intervention has been successful and if there are any new areas of concern.

How are children referred to the service?

If you have concerns, please speak to your child’s GP, paediatrician, special educational needs coordinator or other professional who will then refer your child to our service. Children who attend Special Schools are generally referred by the School.

Referral forms can be obtained by contacting the Occupational Therapy Department. Each referral will be considered by the Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Manager so that your child receives the appropriate service.