At Ashley Dearling Occupational Therapists we are passionate about helping individuals with the following difficulties to live happy, fulfilling and productive lives:
Sensory Processing difficulties
Learning difficulties
Developmental delays
Gross and fine motor difficulties
Motor planning and coordination difficulties
Visual perceptual difficulties
Scholastic difficulties
Handwriting difficulties
ADD/ADHD
Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome and other syndromes
Psychiatric conditions e.g. Anxiety Disorders, OCD, Bipolar Mood Disorders and Depression
Paediatric OT Assessments
At Ashley Dearling Occupational Therapists, we offer comprehensive assessments of a child’s sensory processing, postural control, motor planning and sequencing, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, visual perception and activities of daily living. We use a variety of standardized and non-standardized assessments which are selected based on age and the reason for referral to identify a child’s unique strengths as well as the areas requiring intervention. A classroom observation is also often recommended for the therapist to gain a better understanding of a child’s performance and engagement in the classroom.
Paediatric OT Treatment
Following the assessment, our therapists create an individualised Occupational Therapy plan for each child based on the areas requiring intervention identified during the assessment, and in line with the parents’ and the child’s goals. Our Occupational Therapists ensure they use each child’s passions and areas of strength, to address those areas that require development, whilst ensuring that each child also experiences success. Whilst the number and duration of sessions weekly varies from child to child, we generally recommend one or two 30 minute or 45-minute session/s weekly. This recommendation will however depend on each child’s age and the areas of difficulty identified during the assessment. Continuous assessment of each child occurs during their therapy sessions, and the therapy plan is adjusted as progress is made and goals are achieved. Sessions are carried out at our practices in Central Ballito or Salt Rock, as well as at some local schools including Crawford International North Coast, Reddam House Ballito, Curro Castle Salt Rock and Curro Salt Rock.
Joint OT and Speech & Language Therapy
Joint OT and Speech & Language therapy sessions are available for those children who have been identified to require both OT and Speech Therapy. These 45-minute therapy sessions involve both an OT and Speech Therapist simultaneously working with a child to meet their OT, Speech Therapy, developmental, social and scholastic goals.
Block/Intensive OT treatment
Block/intensive Occupational Therapy sessions are available during school holidays for those who either live too far way to travel through to the practice weekly, or for those parents who would like to give their child’s therapy progress a boost. Block therapy usually involves 3-5 sessions per week for 1-3 weeks, depending on each child’s needs and therapy goals. Block therapy is particularly useful for those who want to complete the therapy process quickly as high intensity, high frequency has been proven to be very effective.
Adolescent & Adult Sensory Processing Assessments and Therapy
At Ashley Dearling Occupational Therapists, we realize that not all individuals received Occupational Therapy as children and that “sensory children” grow into “sensory adolescents” and “sensory adults”. We therefore offer Sensory Processing Assessments to both adolescents and adults to identify an individual’s unique sensory profile and the impact these could be having on their daily life. Thereafter we work in collaboration and alongside each person to put strategies in place to assist them overcoming their sensory difficulties so that they can lead fulfilling, happy and productive lives.
Teacher and Parent training workshops
As we are passionate about working collaboratively alongside teachers and parents to assist each client reach their potential, we offer teacher and parent training workshops, the topics of which are identified by the parents or teachers with whom we work. Some of the topics discussed have included: Normal Childhood Development and How to identify possible Developmental Red-flags, Sensory Processing Difficulties in the Classroom and Poor Core Strength and the impact thereof. The goals of our workshops are to assist parents and teachers in better understanding some of the difficulties children are facing, and how to support and help them both at home and in the classroom. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your workshop/training requirements.