Hi, I’m Martha
I am a neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed paediatric Occupational Therapist based in South West London. My work is grounded in the belief that children do well when they can, and that our role is not to change who they are, but to better understand them as whole people and create environments where they can thrive. I am passionate about supporting children and young people to be their most authentic, joyful selves.
I work closely with schools and families, advocating for neuro-inclusivity and systemic changes that honor the unique neurotype of every young person. My approach is child-led, play-based, and rooted in nervous system safety, ensuring every session is a space of connection, authenticity and joy. This means I will always meet your child with unconditional positive regard.
My Approach
My work is rooted in building meaningful connections, prioritising nervous system safety and centering joy for all children. I use a child-led, play-based, regulation-first approach that aims to meet children exactly where they’re at. I am passionate about helping families and schools move away from approaches that focus on compliance, masking, or 'fixing' differences. Instead, I support children to build self-understanding, develop meaningful regulation tools, advocate for their needs, and participate in daily life in ways that feel authentic and sustainable.
My Core Beliefs
Connection over Compliance
Your child is free to be their true self with me. I invest my time in building a relationship based on trust and felt safety, where I encourage your child's authenticity over compliance-based approaches.
All Forms of Play are Valid
I will celebrate your child to play in a way that is authentic and joyful for them, including solitary play, lining things up, repetitive play, sensory play and pretend play. The goal is never to change the way your child plays.
All Forms of Communication are Valid
I support the use of AAC, echolalia, Gestalt Language Processing, signing, gestures and drawing. I believe every child deserves to be heard and included, regardless of how they communicate.
All Behaviour is a Form of Communication
I understand behaviour through a nervous system lens, not as something to punish or fix. I support your child through co-regulation, sensory supports and relationship.
Flexibility, Predictability, Autonomy
I understand that your child’s capacity will fluctuate. I meet them where they’re at on any given day, and I don’t hold them to standards based on what they were previously able to do.
Unconditional Acceptance of Your Child
My aim is never to change your child. I offer a non-judgmental space where the way your child experiences the world is validated and whole-heartedly accepted.
Clinical Experience & Who I Work With
I have over 8 years of experience working within mainstream and specialist school settings, within the community and in private practice. I support neurodivergent young people between the ages of 2 and 22. I have extensive experience supporting young people with:
Autism
ADHD
PDA
Dyspraxia
School Burnout
Global Developmental Delay
ARFID
Down Syndrome
Early Childhood Trauma
Sensory Processing Differences
Anxiety
Depression
OCD
Your child does not need a diagnosis to receive OT support. If your parental instinct is telling you that your young person would benefit from support, I am always happy to help, regardless of diagnosis.
I adapt my approach entirely to the needs of your child. There is no one-size-fits-all approach here. Instead, OT support is individualised, holistic, and person-centred. Regardless of your child’s needs, I will always prioritise connection, compassion, and co-regulation.
1:1 OT Sessions
Play-based, child-led sessions in your home, school, or in the community.
Available in SouthWest London and surrounding areas.
Therapy sessions are offered flexibly, and there is no pressure to commit to ongoing weekly sessions.
Trainings for Schools
Bespoke training for schools on a range of topics, including how to create a neuro-inclusive classroom, understanding behaviour through a nervous system lens and supporting sensory and motor needs.
The goal of training is never to teach professionals how to make ND children fit within existing systems, but to help systems become more responsive, flexible, and inclusive for all learners
Working With Me
EHCP Provision
Detailed reports for EHCP applications and reviews, clearly outlining a child's strengths, areas of need and recommendations for provision.
I work directly with schools to deliver OT provision specified within an EHCP. Includes staff training, environmental adaptations, sensory and regulation support, and intervention aimed at improving participation, access to learning, and overall wellbeing.
OT Assessment
Comprehensive assessment of sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills and self-care skills.
A detailed written report and practical recommendations will be provided.
Regulation and connection are always prioritised.
OT Supervision
Professional supervision for OTs who want to develop their confidence in paediatric and school-based practice.
Supervision provides a supportive space to reflect on clinical work, strengthen clinical reasoning, discuss complex cases, and develop neuro-affirming approaches to assessment and intervention.
Proof-reading service to support your ability to write robust assessment reports.
Online Consultations
Personalised online support offers individualised, practical strategies for your child, which is completely flexible to your needs regardless of your location.
I provide tailored recommendations and a clearer understanding of how to support your child in ways that honour their neurotype.
Testimonials
What families say:
What schools say:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Occupational Therapy?
Paediatric Occupational Therapy supports a child to participate in activities that are important to them, such as playing, learning, making friends, self-care, and engaging in family life. We work to understand your child's unique strengths, needs and environment, identifying barriers to participation and developing practical strategies to support wellbeing, independence and inclusion. Rather than focusing on changing who a child is, we aim to create environments and supports that help children thrive as their authentic selves.
Why might my child need OT?
Your young person will benefit from OT if they find it difficult to participate in everyday activities at home, school, or in the community. This might include challenges with sensory processing, emotional regulation, motor skills, self-care tasks, attention, executive functioning, play, learning, friendships, or coping with daily demands. You are welcome to book a free call to explore your child’s needs further to understand more about how OT can support.
What age range do you support?
I love working with young people of all ages and I feel so lucky that my clinical experience has allowed me to work with children from the age of 2 all the way up to young adults aged 22. I adore the flexibility of working with young people across the lifespan, and I am delighted to support toddlers, school-aged children, teens, and young adults.
What if my child is anxious about meeting someone new?
This is completely normal, particularly if your child has had difficult experiences in the past, find uncertainty challenging, or take longer to build trust with unfamiliar people. I always follow a child’s lead, and I place a strong emphasis on developing a sense of safety and connection. There is no expectation for your child to engage in a particular way or to participate in activities they are uncomfortable with. Sessions will always be play-based and encourage your child to share their interests, with very few demands or expectations placed on them. They are welcome to end the session early if it becomes too much for them. I will always respect your child's communication style, boundaries, and autonomy.
How do I explain OT to my child?
This will depend on many factors, including the age of your child and how they typically process information. For older children, you might explain that they are going to meet someone whose job is to help children with things that feel tricky and make everyday life easier. You might share that OT will want to learn about the things they're good at, the things they enjoy, and anything that feels hard. For younger children, I always encourage families to keep it simple and say that they will be meeting someone who loves to play and is excited to explore their interests with them.
Does my child need to have an assessment?
No, there is no pressure to commit to a full assessment of your child’s OT needs. An OT assessment is beneficial if your child needs targeted support in school as the report can advocate for accommodations to be made. An OT assessment is required if your child needs an EHCP, and you would like OT to be specified within that document. We can discuss this further if you are unsure whether your child needs an assessment or not.
How do you support parents?
I strongly believe that parents are the expert in their child and it is incredibly important to me that you are centred in the OT process. I always start by providing an initial consultation online. This allows us space to talk honestly without having any difficult conversations in front of your child. Many parents come to OT feeling overwhelmed, having been previously let down by the system. I offer a non-judgmental, validating and affirming space for parents to be open and honest about family life. I will never tell you how to parent your child. Instead, I work alongside you to better understand your child's needs, make sense of behaviours and challenges, and develop practical, realistic strategies that fit your family's values and daily life.
How do I know if OT is working for my child?
I believe that Occupational Therapy is working for your child when they feel more at ease in their everyday life. Maybe you start to notice that they are excited for their session, or they start reaching for regulation tools and activities explored within sessions. As a parent, you should feel listened to, validated and supported every step of the way. Support should feel collaborative with a deep understanding of your family and how OT can be implemented in a way that is sustainable and realistic. As a parent, I encourage you to trust your gut instinct about how a therapist connects with your child. Your child should see it as a safe space where they do not have to mask, where their needs are respected and where they are met with unconditional positive regard.
How do I book a session?
Head to the contact section of my website where you can book in a free call to see if we are a good fit, or complete the enquiry form and I will get back to you within 24-48 hours.
Professional Registration & Memberships
I am guided by the highest professional standards and ethical values of Occupational Therapy practice. My work is rooted in safety, connection, and nervous system regulation. I follow best practice guidelines by continuously engaging with the research base and lived experience accounts.
HCPC Registered
OT80430
BSc Occupational Therapy
National University of Ireland, Galway; 1st class honours
RCOT Member
BT00871673
Follow me on Instagram
You can follow me @The_OptimisticOT where I share educational content about neuro-affirmative practice, fun sensory and movement-based play ideas to try with your child, and personal reflections that shape my clinical experience.