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The Role of the Paediatric Occupational Therapist What do we do? We help clients to develop personal independence/function in all aspects of daily life, i.e. physically, psychologically and socially. We work as members of a multi-disciplinary team and liase with team members to discuss assessments and treatments and client centered plans. We may assess the client in order to: Help the client improve his/her hand function and co-ordination e.g. pencil & writing skills. Help the client improve his/her self-help skills e.g. dressing and feeding. Help to improve the clients cognitive and perceptual skills – understanding and interpreting the world around him/her by the use of all his/her senses. Help to improve the clients self esteem and social skills through group activities and play. We may also give advice about specialist equipment and training in its use where appropriate. We may provide advice for teachers, families and carers. How can we help? Using a variety of assessment and treatment techniques we identify the areas of need of each client. We work with multi-disciplinary team on programmes, joint treatments and equipment provision. We may liase with other team members who could include teachers, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists and members of the nursing department to discuss the treatment plans and the clients progress. We use a varied and wide range of assessment and treatment techniques and media. Clients may be seen individually, with parents or in groups. Advice is given with regards to programmes in the school. Who can refer a client for Occupational Therapy? The multi-disciplinary team can refer a client to the Occupational Therapy service using our referral form. On receipt of referral, both referrer and parents/guardian will be contacted. The Occupational Therapy Department, St. Catherine’s School, Kilmullen Lane, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow. Telephone: (00353) (0) 1 2812339