Staffordshire Paediatric Occupational Therapy

“Having anxiety and depression is like being scared and tired at the same time. It’s the fear of failure but no urge to be productive”.
I often hear children and young adults say they feel full and overwhelmed but empty at the same time. For some they get through the day just by focussing on breathing, one breathe at a time as they face many different tasks and schedules.
This article describes it well.
... https://themighty.com/2017/05/anxiety-dep ression-day-night/…
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You may just need to hear and believe these words today.....

I’ve been having fun using this scribbler from Crayola to let children make creations in the sand.... mess free too so handy to take around with my chalk board and chalks as a mobile therapist!
It’s promotes different skills like ideation linked to motor planning, hand preference, grip strength, stroke discrimination and spatial awareness.
Very good bargain price at B n M too 👍

I’ve been using this approach with my own child who has just started High School and was struggling to know how to study and learn for a test. Practice and repetition are necessary but its also important to check they understand what they have to remember and can calmly and clearly :
- Organise their learning goals - be inspective about what they think they know ... - take time to quietly reflect on their understanding and learning.
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I love these emotions mood bands from Sentire Sensory
They allow children with limited language to show others how they feeling which promotes their independence with communication and self-awareness.
Both colours are on one band so you simply flip the band to show the feeling.

This is a great online business with such affordable prices! Check out the infinity mirrors!
https://m.facebook.com/SentireSensory/

Treasure your loved ones!
https://youtu.be/JHX0btJYcyI

This is an excellent read.....especially if you have children under 5 or work in early years!
https://www.kidspot.com.au/…/156e39402d ef42e2f1135c41e9d13c…

Combining handwriting with play is so important! OT is occupation-based and by using play activities learning can be fun and engaging.

This course is focused on education and medical professionals wishing to expand their learning and discover new ways of approaching and supporting children in schools and at home with sensory processing difficulties.
http://bit.ly/professionalsworkshop_book< br> I am really looking forward to it!

I am so excited with the fantastic response to this course for parents/carers! Here are all the details.....
The link to book a place is: http://bit.ly/parentsworkshop_book
I will be posting details of the education and medical professionals workshop for 6th February 2018 very soon!
... Please don't hesitate to message me though Facebook or email me on info@spotuk.net if you have any problems.
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An introductory course for parents and carers wishing to develop their knowledge and adopt new strategies
Discover how these skills affect a child's arousal levels, behaviours, and attention. The role of the OT in assessment and treatment. Explore strategies to use effectively at home and in the community

It’s been a great week using this model to help and support children in different settings like special school, mainstream, foster care and family homes.
Seeing their playfulness develop is so special whilst their self-regulation, skill mastery and environmental adaptation skills improve too.
#blessedtodomyjob

You could use this with sound too to develop skills like following instructions, left/right discrimination, motor planning and dynamic balance on different surfaces. A simple fun indoor activity!
https://www.facebook.com/1250406245/posts /10216835663104462/

“Severe and persistent behavioural problems - usually known as conduct disorders - are our most common childhood mental health issue.”

For some children a different chairs can promote their attention and ensure they are more engaged for learning.

I’m feeling some of this....

Temple Grandin describes autism as a behavioral profile that has strengths and weaknesses.
She has suggested that autistic people’s thinking fall into one of three categories: visual thinkers; verbal/logic thinkers; and musical/mathematical thinkers.

This explains how problems with Maths can affect an older child.

What an excellent site to gain more sensory knowledge/awareness! My son's sensory diet input is VITAL in school, so thank you for helping me to learn more so I can advocate his special needs.

Professional, approachable, an expert in her field. Provided an extensive report and excellent ideas to support. Gaye has been a breath of fresh air with my child, where most professionals did not want to know. Thank you Gaye.

My son had issues with sitting still and concentrating at school and at home. Gaye assessed him for Sensory Processing Disorder and explained why he behaved as he did.

Gaye gave us advice and strategies to help him and she has also been into school to support him and explain what they can do to help him.



This has had a huge impact on our lives, I now understand what makes my son tick and how I can support him better.



Gaye is friendly, kind and caring and my son loves working with her and she makes it fun for him.

Now his schoolwork is improving and he is more engaged at school and at home.



I can't thank Gaye enough for the difference she has made and my only regret is not finding her sooner.

Gaye supported my daughter Chloe earlier this year, Chloe is 19 and has never had a sensory assessment. Chloe really enjoyed being with Gaye and responded well to her soft reassuring nature. She told Chloe how she was there to support her.

The report was in depth and highlighted areas that Chloe needed support, it was clear and highlighted all the posistive outcomes that could be achieved with daily support. An easy to follow programme was given to us and to school.

The report not only supported Chloe development but also helped as evidence to support Chloe’s application for independent specialist college funding.

We will defiantly be using Gaye again in the future.