Diana B...

About Diana

Diana is a passionate and dedicated HCPC registered Occupational Therapist. She has a broad range of specialist clinical experience and skills gained through her work with children and adults since she qualifying, as well as prior to this.

Post qualifying, Diana initially worked in a medium secure forensic setting with a mixture of individuals with diagnosis of personality disorder, psychosis and other mental health difficulties. Following this, she started working within the field of Paediatric Occupational Therapy where she has remained.

As a specialist clinical lead Occupational Therapist for special schools, Diana has extensive experience working with children and young people with complex and wide ranging conditions that have resulted in physical, sensory, cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social challenges. This includes children with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), Cerebral Palsy, Brain Injury, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning difficulties, sensory processing difficulties and Developmental Coordination Disorder.

Diana uses a holistic approach to assess and meet the needs of those under her care. She works closely and collaboratively with the children/ young people, their families and education staff to develop appropriate and realistic intervention and care plans.

Following in-depth assessment, Diana creates and delivers bespoke intervention programmes based on her assessment findings and the goals identified. She provides training to parents and education staff to ensure they understand the sensory, physical and motor needs of each child/ young person. She also provides detailed assessment reports to inform Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), Annual Reviews and SENDIST Tribunal hearings.

Prior to becoming an Occupational Therapist, Diana completed her BSc Hons degree in Psychology. She then gained experience working in mainstream schools as a teaching assistant and as a Learning Support Assistant for a child with physical impairment and learning difficulties. Following this, she spent 7 years working as an Occupational Therapy assistant within an adult forensic mental health inpatient ward, focusing on rehabilitation into the community. Within this setting, she worked with adults diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (now ASD).

"Diana applies her wealth of experience and knowledge in a professional but affable manner."