Occupational Therapy (OT) at Landmarks supports learners with autism, ADHD and other neurodivergent diagnoses to develop independence, engagement and wellbeing by addressing sensory, emotional and functional needs. OT focuses on building the skills and strategies learners need to manage and participate in everyday activities, routines and roles within college and beyond.
Using a learner-centered approach, occupational therapists help remove barriers to learning by developing skills in emotional regulation, sensory processing, organisation and independent living. Support is provided in real-life contexts, enabling learners to engage more confidently in lessons, supported internships and community activities through the use of appropriate strategies, equipment and adjustments.
Occupational therapists create calm, low-stimulus learning environments to help learners feel safe, regulated and ready to engage. This can include access to sensory tools, such as ear defenders or fidget items, and adjustments to noise levels, lighting, visual clutter, seating and routines, alongside clear expectations and predictable structures. By reducing sensory overload, learners are better able to focus, participate positively and build confidence in their learning.
Activities are graded and adapted in collaboration with learners and staff to support positive risk-taking, skill development and meaningful progress. Recognising that regulation, attention and engagement can fluctuate day to day, OT supports learners to identify strategies that help them participate successfully across college life.
For example, learners working towards independent travel may develop skills such as route planning, sequencing, using timetables, problem-solving when routines change and communicating with others in the community. Alongside practical skills, OT supports confidence-building, anxiety management and self-regulation in unfamiliar or busy environments. These transferable skills enable learners to access education, work placements and leisure opportunities with greater independence.
How Parents Can Support OT Goals at Home
Parents and carers play a vital role in reinforcing occupational therapy strategies. Practising small, consistent steps at home helps learners generalise skills, develop independence and gain confidence for adulthood.
Ways to support OT goals at home include:
- Collaborating with college staff to ensure consistent strategies across home and college.
- Encouraging practice of everyday skills, such as cooking, shopping or simple DIY tasks, to build organisation and independence.
- Using backward chaining when teaching new skills – supporting all steps except the final one so the young person experiences success, then gradually introducing additional steps as confidence grows.
- Celebrating progress, however small, to build confidence and motivation.
- Maintaining predictable routines, clear expectations and calm environments wherever possible.
- Encouraging the use of sensory or regulation strategies at home.
- Discussing current or potential occupational therapy input with college staff, who can provide support within college or signpost to external services as needed.
- Visiting the parent/carer hub on our website for practical strategies and advice on everyday routines, such as morning preparation and sleep. The hub is password-protected, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with elizabethwalker@landmarks.ac.uk and ask for the hub password.
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