Helping children and young people thrive through specialist Occupational Therapy assessments

​Welcome to Gentle Steps Occupational Therapy! 

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I'm Beth Paterson - a HCPC Registered Pediatric Occupational Therapist providing independent assessments for children and young people with a wide range of additional needs, including autism, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, developmental coordination difficulties (dyspraxia), learning disabilities and other neurodevelopmental conditions. 

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I work with families, schools, solicitors and local authorities to provide clear evidence-based assessments and practical recommendations that help children participate more successfully in everyday life. 

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Whether you are seeking answers to better understand your child's needs, require an Occupational Therapy assessment as part of an Education, Health and Care Plan assessment or Tribunal, or would like specialist advice to support home and school, I aim to provide thorough, compassionate and individualised assessments. 

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​How I can help:

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Occupational Therapy Assessments 

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Comprehensive assessments exploring how your child manages everyday activities, including self-care, learning, play, emotional regulation, motor skills and participation at home and school.

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Sensory Assessments 

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Detailed assessment of sensory processing and how sensory differences may be affecting daily life, together with practical recommendations for home and school.

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Developmental Screening Assessments 

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Helping families explore whether a child may present with characteristics associated with autism, ADHD or Dyspraxia and whether further assessment or referral may be appropriate.

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EHCP and SEN support 

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Independent Occupational Therapy assessments and reports to support Education, Health and Care needs assessments, annual reviews and appeals.

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SEND Tribunal and Expert Witness reports  

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Independent expert Occupational Therapy reports for SEND Tribunal proceedings, prepared to a high professional standard and based on comprehensive assessment and clinical reasoning.

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Please note: I am not currently accepting new 1:1 Occupational Therapy session clients.

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My approach:​

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Every child is different.

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I take time to understand each child's strengths, interests and individual challenges before making recommendations that are realistic, meaningful and tailored to their everyday life.

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My reports are designed to be clear, practical and evidence-based, giving families, schools and professionals confidence in the recommendations provided.

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​Why choose Gentle Steps Occupational Therapy? 

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• HCPC Registered Pediatric Occupational Therapist.

• Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

• Postgraduate qualifications in Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Autism.

• Ongoing postgraduate training in Sensory Integration.

• Former solicitor with extensive experience writing detailed professional reports.

• Experienced in EHCP assessments and SEND Tribunal work.

• Parent of two neurodivergent children.

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