Children's occupational therapy
The children's occupational therapy team help children and families adapt to the challenges of everyday life that may be a result of a child’s difficulty or disability.
The child’s activities (which we call occupations) can be considered in three areas: self care, school and play/work. We endeavour to help children to maintain their skills, recover previously learnt skills and, where possible, to develop new skills.
Sometimes a child will need occupational therapy to help them change the way in which they complete an activity, for example by working with them on their ability to coordinate themselves, use their hands, or improve their planning skills.
Other children will need the loan of specialised equipment, or adaptations to their homes to enable their greater independence. An occupational therapist can also advise schools on the most appropriate equipment and adaptations needed for a child.
How can I access the service?
If a child (0-18 year old) needs occupational therapy the referral can only come from a health professional eg their GP, a paediatrician, paediatric therapist or children’s nurse. For housing adaptations and equipment the social worker may also refer. Children who attend special schools can be referred by the therapist for these schools.
A referral form for the children's occupational therapy service is available to download below. Please note referrals will only be accepted from the professionals mentioned above.
Each referral is considered by the occupational therapy team manager to ensure the child receives the appropriate service.
Online resources
A number of resources packs are now available from this website for parents and people who work with children. The resources cover a range of activities including dressing skills, tying shoelaces, feeding skills, handwriting and ball skills.
Contact details
If you think your child may benefit from the services of a children's occupational therapist please contact your GP, district nurse, or any of the health or social care professionals providing care for your child.
The occupational therapy team is based at:
Child Health Centre
Woodhorn Lane
Ashington
Northumberland
NE63 9JJ
Tel: 01670 564050
Fax: 01670 564053
The occupational therapy service is available between 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
Useful websites
Muscular Dystrophy Campaign - the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the only UK charity focussing on all muscular dystrophies and allied disorders. The website provides information and support for people affected by the conditions.
SCOPE - this website contains information and support for people who have cerebal palsy.
Dyspraxia Foundation - this website contains useful information on dypraxia for adults and children.
Dyslexia Institute - Dyslexia Action is a national charity and the UK's leading provider of services and support for people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties. The website contains useful information for parents of children with dyslexia.
Disability North Newcastle - Disability North Newcastle is a local charity which campaigns on behalf of disabled people across the North East to promote inclusion, independence and choice for disabled people.
