The therapy team
Occupational therapy
At the lighthouse we aim to work with children who may be
delayed in completing essential practical and purposeful activities
to enable the child to manage as independently as possible. Complex
tasks such as dressing, using cutlery, handwriting and play skills
are broken down into manageable and achievable steps to build the
child's ability and performance, before the next step can be
attempted. Where necessary, advice to develop hand function, muscle
strength and range of movement will be provided to enable the child
to reach their goal. The ocupational therapist will work alongside
the child and their caregiver and give advice to carry over at
home, nursery or school. The occupational therapist role also
includes provision of specialised equipment, such as specialist
seating for mainstream and specialist schools as well as nurseries,
as needed. If required the occupational therapy team is also able
to provide hand splints where required to improve and develop hand
function.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists work alongside children from birth to
adolescence and their caregivers to optimise a child's ability to
move and function. This is done by developing gross motor skills,
co-ordination skills, posture, muscle strength, balance,
cardio-respiratory system and range of movement. Advice and
exercises to assist the child in their development are shared with
the caregiver and in some circumstances, the child's school or
nursery to improve participation in every day activities.
Rehabilitation assistants
Rehabilitation assistants work alongside the therapists at the
centre to assist the child to achieve their goals and have input
into many of the therapy groups.