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Newly qualified OTs gain a broad base of experience before specialising. My first few posts ranged from mental health, to acute ward work, neurology and stroke rehabilitation.
I gained my first post-graduate experience in Paediatrics in 1992 in Coventry, setting up a new service in special schools and working with youngsters who had Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD/ Dyspraxia). During this time I developed an interest in handwriting difficulties.
Between 1993 and 1995, I worked for a large department in Leicester offering varied experience in a special needs nursery, mainstream schools with children who had DCD or a physical disability, and in special schools. I developed an interest in special seating and children’s equipment.
After a career break for 3 years while starting our family and relocating to the South West, I worked for the NHS in Swindon with Pre-School children, and later in a large special school for children with complex needs, mainstream school work with children who had physical disabilities and as part of the Swindon Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Assessment Team.
In 2006 I completed studies in Developmental Coordination Disorders (Dyspraxia) to gain a Post Graduate Certificate in Special Education with the University of Newport and The Dyscovery Centre, Cardiff.
I am currently studying for a Master’s Degree in Autism through the University of Birmingham.
In addition to private practice, I continue to work with my NHS colleagues through a Bank Contract to assist with DCD/Dyspraxia clinics and for children and young people with complex needs.
I work as a Brain Injury Case Manager with Independent Living Solutions Ltd.
I have attended many training courses, but those of particular interest may be:
Sensory Integration Parts 1& 2
Bobath Paediatric Neurodevelopmental Course and current accreditation
ACE Centre (AAC) Training
Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP)
Saeboflex Arm Training Programme
I have enhanced CRB Disclosure Certification.
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