Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is provided by the NHS. This is a limited provision inline with individual EHCP outcomes.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapists work with people to help them achieve independence in the daily activities they need and want to do. OTs work with people of all ages and in hospital and community settings, with people with mental health and with physical disabilities.
With children, Occupational Therapists work on building independence in Play Skills such as gross and fine motor skills, Self-care skills such as eating and dressing, and Skills for School Life, such as following routines and coping with busy environments.
How does Occupational Therapy work at Drumbeat School?
The OT works alongside class teachers and support staff so that therapy activities can be incorporated into the children’s daily routines in school. The therapist works across all the key stages from reception class to our sixth form leavers at Brockley and Occupational Therapy input can look very different for each key stage.
In Early Years we might do lots of gross motor and sensory play.
In middle school years we have more of a focus on fine motor skills and independence around school.
In Sixth Form, looking to the future with more self-help including domestic activities.
Because many children and young people with autism have difficulties with sensory processing, the therapist works with children and the adults who support them to make sure children get the sensory input they need, and advises on adapting activities and environments to suit each pupil’s sensory needs.
Links to useful websites and blogs
British Association of Occupational Therapists
http://www.cot.co.uk/
Therapy Fun Zone – lots of great play ideas you can do at home.
http://therapyfunzone.net/blog/
Printable pictures you can use to make daily routine schedules.
http://www.do2learn.com
More fun play activities.