Blossom Children's Occupational Therapy

07/06/2026

Therapy session to work on:

05/06/2026

Please share - last minute cancellation available

04/06/2026

Using tactile media to develop motor skills in therapy 🌸

This particular sessions was working on:
🌸 tactile perception and tolerance
🌸 fine motor integration
🌸 grading force (proprioception)
🌸 ideation skills
🌸 visual perception

29/05/2026

🌸Why do we use swings in therapy?🌸

It may look like “just play,” but swings are a powerful therapeutic tool that support regulation, development, and participation in everyday life.

Swinging provides vestibular input — sensory information that helps the brain understand where the body is in space and how it is moving. When used intentionally and therapeutically, swings can help children feel calmer, more alert, organised, and ready to engage.

Different types of movement can support different needs:
• Slow, rhythmic movement may help calm and regulate
• Faster or unpredictable movement may help increase alertness and attention
• Changes in position and direction challenge balance, coordination, and motor planning

Developmental areas supported through swinging activities can include:
🌸 Emotional regulation and self-regulation
🌸 Attention and concentration
🌸 Body awareness and spatial awareness
🌸 Balance and postural control
🌸 Core strength and stability
🌸 Bilateral coordination
🌸 Motor planning and praxis
🌸 Visual tracking and ocular motor skills
🌸 Confidence and risk assessment
🌸 Play skills and social engagement

Most importantly, children are often more engaged and motivated when therapy feels playful, meaningful, and fun. Through carefully graded sensory experiences, we can help children build the foundational skills they need for everyday occupations at home, school, and in the community.

28/05/2026

Sharing this petition for a family :

Children should be able to access education without constant nervous system dysregulation. Sadly, many young people are placed into environments not suitable for their nervous system to cope. Physical presence in a setting, does not automatically result in engagement and learning.

Education Otherwise Than in School/College (EOTISC/EOTAS) can provide a vital pathway for some of these children to access education safely, flexibly and in ways that genuinely meet their needs.

However, proposed SEND reforms risk weakening the legal protections that currently help families secure this provision.

Please take a moment to sign and share this petition to help protect children and young people who cannot safely access school ❤️

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/767779

In any SEND reforms, maintain the legal right to education other than in school for children & young people whose needs mean no school or college placement is appropriate. Retain the SEND Tribunal’s power to order EOTISC and specify the provision required for a child’s individually assessed need...

28/05/2026

Working with a teenager this month to explore the sensory systems and validate her preferences. This week was taste and the role of food in regulation.

25/05/2026

🌸One of our favourite Sensory Integration pieces of equipment🌸

A scooter board , these are great at home and in Schools. You can also purchase the mechanic trolleys from Aldi and Lidl which work well.

24/05/2026

I attend this every year! Always a great event for parents / relatives and professionals

Just ONE WEEK left to grab your early bird tickets! Have you got yours yet?

Be part of an uplifting event that shines a light on Alfie’s journey, showcases the incredible strengths of autistic people, and reveals how creativity and passion can open doors to new possibilities.

We hope to see many of you there!

📅 Date & Time: Wednesday 1st July at 19:30
📍 Location: Northampton High School, Hardingstone, NN4 6UU
🎟️ Tickets & Info: TAMLecture2026.eventbrite.co.uk

Alfie Bowen Photography

24/05/2026

Hot weather can feel uncomfortable for many children — but for children with sensory integration and processing differences, it can feel completely overwhelming. ☀️🌡️

Children with sensory processing differences may struggle more in high temperatures because their nervous systems can find heat, humidity, sweating, bright sunlight, noise, crowds, and certain clothing sensations difficult to regulate.

You may notice: • Increased irritability or emotional overwhelm
• Fatigue or shutdowns
• Difficulty concentrating
• Refusal to wear certain clothes
• Distress from sticky skin or sweating
• More sensory seeking or sensory avoiding behaviours

Strategies that may help:
🌸Offer fluids regularly and include cooling snacks
🌸Use cool towels, mist sprays, fans or water play
🌸Choose lightweight, breathable clothing with minimal seams/tags
🌸Plan outings during cooler parts of the day
🌸Create calm, shaded sensory breaks
🌸Use sensory supports such as sunglasses, hats or headphones if needed

Remember — behaviour is communication. A child who appears “difficult” in the heat may actually be overwhelmed and struggling to regulate.

Every child experiences the world differently, and with understanding and support, families can help children feel safer, calmer and more comfortable during hot weather. ☀️🧠