Occupational Therapy – Ayres’ Sensory Integration Therapy (ASI)
We have a team of independent paediatric occupational therapists. Our OTs work with children and their families to support them to develop and improve skills in important areas, ranging from riding a bike to self-care to handwriting. Sensory Integration was defined as “The neurological process that organises sensation from one’s own body and from the environment and makes it possible to use the body effectively with the environment” by Jean Ayres (1972). All our occupational therapists have completed post-graduate training in ASI either through CLASI or Sensory Integration Education. To the child, the therapy sessions are play, to us they are carefully set up to foster a precise challenge to develop the skills identified through assessment and goal setting. For example, to ride a bike, a child needs to develop skills with postural control, balance, bilateral integration, judging speed and distance and many more. In ASI therapy sessions, activities will be designed to work on these skills through playing on swings, climbing, scooter boards, using targets and much more.
Diagnostic Assessment Including Autism, ADHD and Developmental Coordination Disorder.
Autism
We offer a gold-standard Autism assessment package which includes a full developmental history, the ADOS-2 observation assessment and clinical interview. We will meet with you online to undertake a developmental history and will then invite you into the clinic to meet with us face to face. You will then receive a comprehensive report and recommendations for reasonable adjustments where necessary. We currently hold clinics in Sheffield, Matlock and Liverpool but are able to extend this to the surrounding areas by arrangement. If you are not able to attend in person please contact us and we will explore options for virtual assessment.
Fees: The cost of an autism assessment is £1550 which is less than many providers. This is not because we compromise the assessment process, but because we are committed to making our services as accessible as possible. If you are struggling to fund your assessment, please contact us and we will work with you to find a solution. [email protected]
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
We are able to offer ADHD assessments for both adults and children and these are valid for education health care plans, universities and disability living allowance. However, we do not prescribe medication and there are currently inconsistencies across NHS trusts regarding who holds responsibility for prescribing ADHD medications following private assessment. If you are keen to explore options for medication, we advise that you seek assessment through your local NHS service.
Fees: The cost of an ADHD assessment varies according to personal circumstances. Please contact us for a quote. [email protected]
Specialist Assessments
We are able to offer specialist assessments for Dyspraxia, Sensory Integration assessments and cognitive testing. We can assess and diagnose learning disability as a distinct assessment or as part of a neurodevelopmental assessment. We offer advice in writing regarding reasonable adjustments at work or in education and can offer bespoke training packages. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Adoption Support Fund – Specialist Assessments
Please ask your adoption of Special Guardianship social worker to contact us to find out about costings and services. [email protected]