FAQ

Assessment is an integral part of the therapeutic process, as it provides the key to identifying each child’s unique needs and skills related to participation in “typical” childhood experiences, such as school, peer and family relationships, sports and play. We offer assessments for motor coordination/handwriting skills, gross motor skill development and sensory processing. The assessment’s results and recommendations are documented in comprehensive reports.

This will be assessed during the assessment process. The OT will determine what areas need to be worked on and then suggest a block of sessions with your child.

There are several risk signs that indicate that a child may need an assessment from an occupational therapist. For instance, if your child is experiencing difficulty acquiring age-appropriate fine and/or gross motor skills, playing with other children, and handling transitions, he/she may be experiencing sensory integration difficulties. Experiencing difficulty with handwriting can be another sign. If you are concerned that your child’s behaviours or tendencies may have a sensory or motor basis, contact us at info@realconnections.ie to determine whether an assessment is necessary.

Our Ayres® Sensory Integration room, is a sensory-motor gym and offer a variety of rich, therapeutic experiences utilising therapeutic suspended equipment and materials to motivate and engage the child in playing. Therapy programmes are designed to meet the individual needs of each child in order to maximise development and independent performance in daily living skills. With the assessments findings, the therapist and the client’s family, will design an individualised and unique goals settings report to work on the block of therapy sessions. At the end of the block, a progress report with the goals reviewed is provided.

• Lack of age appropriate play skills.
• Behind in developing skills such as not reaching developmental milestones of sitting, crawling, walking, talking, playing, etc.
• Awkward grasp or clumsy use of crayons, pencils, scissors, or other tools
• Struggling with fine motor skills (using zippers, buttons, shoelaces, etc.)
• Excessive seeking or avoidance of movement or touch.
• Constantly moving, jumping, crashing, bumping
• Cannot tolerates tags on clothes, hates having his hair washed/ combed or cut, or having his nails cut.
• Difficulty with feeding, food aversions or eats a very limited diet.
• Frequent emotional outbursts or meltdowns in behaviour and inability to calm self when upset.
• Unable to concentrate and focus at school
• Poor handwriting, letter/number formation

If he/she is experiencing some of these behaviours and these are negatively impacting in his/her functional life and participation, it is advisable to make an appointment with us at info@realconnections.ie to see a paediatric Occupational Therapist (OT). The OT will explore the underlying difficulties that your child may be experiencing and take actions to promote and ensure your child’s wellbeing.

From 0-20 y/o.

You can make the referral yourself and book appointments without the need for a GP referral.

Yes, occupational therapy is covered under private Health Insurance and some policies giving up to 75% back.

Here at Real Connections, we value your time, our time & the services we provide. When you make an appointment with us, that time is reserved exclusively for you.

– Cancellation given in writing 3 working days before the OT slot no charge
– Cancellation between 1- and 3-days’ notice will incur a 50% cancellation fee
– Less 24 hours before the OT slot or a ‘no show’ will incur a 100% cancellation fee
– A limit of 1 cancellation per month per family
– All Cancellations must be emailed to info@realconnections.ie
– In the event of cancellation, we can try to reschedule your appointment if possible.

We regret to inform you that a frequent pattern of 3 or more cancellations may result in removal from our schedule and a subsequent placement on a waiting list or the option of an alternative appointment time.

We try to keep every appointment, but medical emergencies and unforeseen circumstances mean that we sometimes must cancel appointments. If this happens, we are sorry for any inconvenience caused and will arrange a new date for you as soon as possible.