Occupational Therapy
Paediatric Occupational Therapy is a specialist field that utilises scientific, yet practical approaches and techniques to enhance a child’s engagement and independence in their daily activities. These activities include play, social interaction, self-care, and academic performance.
Paediatric occupational therapists possess expert knowledge of child development and related conditions. This expertise enables them to identify why a child may be struggling with specific daily activities, learning tasks, or social interactions, and to develop tailored strategies to support their progress.
Individual Therapy – Integrating Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI®)
At CHAMP, we take a client-centred approach to every child’s therapy plan, designing one-to-one sessions that are both engaging and enjoyable. As proud Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI®) specialists, we always incorporate ASI into our individual therapy plans to support each child’s development in a holistic and effective way.
What is Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI®)?
ASI is an evidence-based approach developed by Dr. A. Jean Ayres, which focuses on how the brain processes and responds to sensory information. Sensory integration plays a fundamental role in a child’s ability to move, learn, regulate emotions, and engage with the world around them. When a child’s sensory system is well-integrated, they can participate in everyday activities with confidence and ease. However, where difficulties with sensory integration exist, it can lead to challenges in movement, attention, behaviour, emotional regulation, and learning.
By incorporating ASI into our therapy sessions, we work to strengthen the foundation of sensory processing and praxis, ensuring that children develop the necessary skills for independence, social interaction, and academic success.
Why is ASI Important for Paediatric Development? A well-integrated sensory system allows children to:
– Regulate emotions and behaviour, improving focus and attention
– Develop motor skills, including coordination, balance, and posture
– Improve body and spatial awareness, leading to greater confidence in movement
– Enhance self-care skills, such as dressing, feeding, and hygiene
– Support academic performance, by refining handwriting, visual perception, and problem-solving abilities
Who Benefits from ASI?
While all children can stand to benefit from ASI, ASI therapy is particularly effective for children with:
– Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD)
– Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
– Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and social communication challenges
– ADHD and attention regulation difficulties
– Emotional and self-regulation challenges
– Motor coordination and postural control difficulties
– Developmental delays and learning needs
While individual therapy plays a key role in a child’s progress, real change happens when strategies are consistently applied across home and school environments. This is why we work closely with parents and educators, equipping them with practical tools and strategies to support the child’s development in everyday life. Our collaborative approach ensures that every child receives the support they need to thrive across all settings.
Specialist SOS®-Feeding Therapy
At CHAMP, our therapists are trained in the Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS®) Approach to Feeding by Dr. Kay Toomey, a globally recognised expert in paediatric feeding challenges. The SOS® Approach is an evidence-based, play-based therapy designed to help children with feeding difficulties by introducing them to food in a structured, gradual, and stress-free way. It addresses both the sensory and motor aspects of eating, supporting children who struggle with food aversions, limited diets, or oral-motor delays.
To ensure the best outcomes, we integrate Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI®) therapy alongside SOS Feeding. By using ASI therapy before a feeding session, we help children achieve a calm and regulated state, making them more receptive to food exploration and new textures. This combined approach enhances their ability to engage with food in a positive, relaxed manner.
Our SOS® feeding therapy is available in both individual and group sessions, with the most suitable setting determined collaboratively between parents and therapists. This personalised approach ensures that each child receives the right level of support to build confidence and develop healthy eating habits.
Therapeutic Listening®
Our therapists are trained in Therapeutic Listening®, a specialised sound-based intervention designed to support children with sensory processing, attention, and regulation challenges. This evidence-based approach uses modulated music to activate the brain’s listening and processing systems, helping children improve focus, body awareness, emotional regulation, and overall sensory integration.
Therapeutic Listening® works by delivering specially modified sound frequencies through high-quality TL® headphones, targeting both the auditory and vestibular systems. This helps enhance a child’s ability to process sensory information, organise movement, and maintain better attention and emotional control throughout their day.
We use TL® as a stand alone, or supplement therapeutic intervention to Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI®) therapy. By incorporating this approach into a child’s therapy programme, we help regulate their sensory system, making them more prepared and engaged for their ASI sessions. This combination can be particularly beneficial for children with self-regulation difficulties, sensory sensitivities, postural control challenges, or auditory processing difficulties.
Therapeutic Listening programmes are highly individualised, with listening schedules and music selections tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Group Occupational Therapy
Our group therapy sessions are highly popular with parents, schools, and children alike, offering a fantastic way to boost motivation and engagement. Group therapy is particularly beneficial for developing skills that children may find challenging or discouraging, as it provides a supportive and interactive learning environment.
We offer handwriting, motor skills, and SOS feeding group therapy for children aged 3½ to 10 years, with small groups of 3 to 4 children who have similar needs. These sessions run regularly during half-term and school holidays, providing valuable support outside of term time.
If you’re interested in enrolling your child or would like more information, please keep an eye on our social media posts for marketing updates, or get in touch via email today!
All therapy packages are tailored to meet each child’s unique needs. The cost of your child’s occupational therapy package will be determined based on their reason for referral, and their specific requirements following an OT assessment. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected] to request an outline of our fee structure.