Practice guidance
We’ve developed a range of resources to help occupational therapists deliver best practice for children, young people and families.
Whilst these were written for occupational therapists – commissioners, managers of children’s OT services and others may also find them useful.
We're repositioning some content on this page, so things might look different soon! Resources related to children, young people and families are now viewable in the Children, Young People and Families resources section. Follow the enclosed link to continue your search.
Sensory approaches
Weighted blankets for children and adults
This short guide will help occupational therapists make decisions about the use of weighted blankets with children and adults.
Members of the public considering weighted blankets for their personal use may also be interested.
Weighted blankets for children and adults guide for OTs – 2023.pdf (PDF, 424.04KB)
Informed view on sensory integration and sensory-based interventions
This evidence-based guide is for OTs, service managers and commissioners who are interested in sensory-based approaches. Members of the public may also find it useful.
RCOT Informed view - Sensory integration Feb 2021 (PDF, 349 KB)
Towards a better understanding of sensory approach
This presentation was given as part of a Council for Disabled Children webinar exploring different approaches to sensory support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in November 2021.
The presentation examines terminology, a tiered approach to sensory interventions, training and qualifications, the evidence base and addressing sensory needs as part of an occupation-centred approach.
Evidence summaries
These evidence summaries were written by members of an OT community of practice known as Mind The Gap. They offer a pragmatic overview and practical insight into the evidence for a particular intervention. Occupational therapists are encouraged to:
- Read the documents to establish if they are relevant to their practice.
- Consider – and celebrate - elements that are already being done.
- Identify changes to improve practice/service based on the evidence summary.
- Identify barriers to implementation and consider how to address them.
- Develop an action plan to implement change.
- Use the audit tool (where available) to monitor the impact of the change.