Roots Occupational Therapy

Get to know Roots Occupational Therapy

From Roots Occupational Therapy's website.

• Our approach

  Children learn best through movement, exploration and play rather than sitting still at tables. At Roots Occupational Therapy, play isn't a reward at the end of therapy—it is the therapy itself. Sessions use engaging activities like obstacle courses, climbing, swinging and interactive games where every activity is carefully selected to support sensory processing, balance, body awareness, motor planning, attention, emotional regulation and confidence. The approach is grounded in Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI), an evidence-based method using purposeful, child-led play to help the brain process sensory information. Each session is individualised and guided by clinical reasoning, designed to help children develop foundational skills for home, school and community participation.

• Working with families

  Parent involvement is encouraged, especially for younger children, and you can discuss what works best for your child and your family's goals. The service begins with a parent telehealth consultation to understand your concerns and priorities, and following assessment, results and therapy planning are discussed together with parents. Therapists are committed to building strong, trusting relationships with families and creating a supportive environment where children feel understood. Communication and collaboration with parents are central to developing meaningful, practical strategies that support your child's independence and confidence both at home and in the community.

• Meet the team

  The team is led by Jaden Luatua, Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Founder of Roots, who is certified in Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) through CLASI and has completed DIR® Floortime (101) and LEGO® Therapy training. Jaden brings extensive paediatric experience working with children of all abilities and a background in youth mentoring, shaping a relationship-focused approach. Ellen Connolly, Paediatric Occupational Therapist, studied at Ulster University and completed placements in stroke and paediatric neurological rehabilitation. Both therapists are dedicated to building strong relationships with families and supporting children's development across sensory processing, motor skills, emotional regulation and functional tasks.

• Your first visit

  The first step is a parent telehealth consultation to understand your concerns, your child's strengths and goals, and determine whether the service is the right fit. Following this, a comprehensive assessment takes place that includes the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration® (EASI) for children aged 3–12 years, which assesses body awareness, balance, bilateral coordination, motor planning, visual-ocular skills and sensory processing. After the assessment, the team discusses results with you, sets meaningful goals together, and develops an individualised therapy plan tailored to your child's specific needs and strengths.