About me

Hello, I’m Beth, an HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist specialising in working with neurodivergent children and young people.

I set up Gentle Steps Occupational Therapy in 2025 to provide a flexible, needs-led service for children, young people and their families. My practice now focuses primarily on Occupational Therapy assessment, including sensory assessments, comprehensive OT assessments and assessments relating to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and SEND Tribunal proceedings.

Before qualifying as an Occupational Therapist, I worked as a solicitor and later completed postgraduate training in Psychology. This background has given me a broad understanding of the importance of careful assessment, evidence-based recommendations and clear, detailed professional report writing.

I am also a parent of children with additional needs, which has given me personal insight into some of the challenges families can experience when navigating education, healthcare and everyday life.

I aim to work collaboratively with children, young people, families and professionals, recognising each child's individual strengths, needs and circumstances.

My experience and expertise

I have experience working with children and young people with a wide range of neurodevelopmental and developmental needs, including autism, ADHD, developmental coordination disorder (DCD/dyspraxia) and sensory processing differences.

My assessment work can explore areas including:

sensory processing and regulation
gross and fine motor skills
coordination and motor planning
handwriting and functional school skills
self-care and independence
participation in home, school and community activities
environmental factors affecting participation
functional impact of neurodevelopmental differences

I use a combination of clinical observation, discussion with children, families and professionals, standardised and non-standardised assessment tools, questionnaires and consideration of the environments in which a child or young person participates.

I have experience completing Occupational Therapy assessments and reports for families, schools, Local Authorities and SEND Tribunal proceedings. My reports aim to provide a clear picture of a child or young person's strengths and needs, the functional impact of any identified difficulties, and practical, individualised recommendations for support.

Alongside my Occupational Therapy qualification, I hold postgraduate qualifications in Psychology and Autism. I completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Autism at Sheffield Hallam University with Distinction in 2026.

I am also undertaking postgraduate training in Sensory Integration at Sheffield Hallam University as I continue to develop my specialist knowledge and clinical practice.

I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and am a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).