Aaliyah

Occupational Therapist A CHAMP

Aaliyah is a dedicated paediatric occupational therapist and Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI®) practitioner. She holds an Honours degree in Occupational Therapy from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, and has completed her postgraduate qualification in ASI®.

She has also completed ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) training, equipping her with skills to contribute to comprehensive autism assessments, along with a range of postgraduate short courses to further develop her knowledge and clinical practice. She is an active member of a Sensory Integration journal club, ensuring she stays up to date with the latest evidence and best practices in paediatric occupational therapy.

With extensive experience across schools, autism bases, and private practice, Aaliyah supports infants, children, and young people with a wide range of developmental needs, including autism, ADHD, learning differences, and dyspraxia. She particularly enjoys working with babies and young children, supporting their early development and helping families build strong foundations for future learning and participation. She has a strong interest in sensory integration and helping children develop the foundational skills needed to participate confidently in everyday life at home, school, and within their communities.

Aaliyah provides universal, targeted, and specialist occupational therapy support within schools, working collaboratively with education staff to create inclusive learning environments. She regularly completes Annual Review reports for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and attends Annual Review meetings, contributing to multidisciplinary planning and goal setting. She also delivers workshops for parents and teachers, empowering those around the child with practical strategies to support participation, regulation, and independence across everyday environments.

Aaliyah believes that meaningful therapy begins with strong relationships. She is passionate about building genuine connections with children and their families, creating a warm, collaborative environment where every child feels understood, supported, and empowered to reach their potential. Alongside her clinical work, she enjoys mentoring and supporting junior therapists, sharing knowledge, and helping to develop confidence and clinical reasoning within the profession. She is committed to lifelong learning and continually seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and refine her practice.

Outside of work, Aaliyah enjoys quiet evenings at home with her husband, picnics, a good cup of tea, ice cream, and exploring new destinations through travel.