Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Gemma Waring
Gemma is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience working in the UK. Working extensively in the community, Gemma has provided holistic and child-centred assessments and interventions in the home, clinic, and school setting. She has collaborated with parent/carers, healthcare, and education professionals to implement advice and strategies that enhance children’s engagement and participation.
Gemma earned her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Northumbria at Newcastle in 2003. She then went on to complete her master’s in health Profession Studies at York St John University in 2012.
- Occupational Therapist
- 20 Years of Paediatric Experience
- British
- Languages Spoken: English.
Gemma Waring
Specialties
- Gemma has a broad range of experience working with children from 0-19 years of age. She has supported children with developmental, learning, and neurological diagnoses which include:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
- Autism spectrum disorder
- ADHD/ADD
- Learning disabilities and genetic conditions, such as Down’s Syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Neuromuscular disorders, including Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy.
Gemma’s wealth of experience has also cultivated specialist skills in crucial areas that empower children for daily success:
- Self-care and Daily Living Skills: Building independence in essential tasks like dressing, feeding, and personal hygiene.
- Sensory Processing: Developing strategies to support sensory regulation, attention, social skills, and executive functioning.
- Gross and Fine Motor Skills: Improving coordination, balance and the precise movements needed for play and academic tasks such as handwriting.
- Postural Management: Supporting comfort and function for optimal engagement.
- Gemma has completed evidence-based training in Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP), Sensory Integration (Foundations and Neuroscience), and Functional Hand Use and Advanced Bimanual Therapy (CPTeaching), Strength’s Based Approach to Autism, and Assessment and Intervention for Children with DCD. She has also completed training in postural management, sensory processing, and occupational performance coaching.Gemma believes in a true partnership. Following a thorough assessment, she works closely with your child, you, and their teachers to set clear, functional goals that are meaningful and achievable. She strives to make the child’s therapy sessions engaging and fun, incorporating meaningful play and building on your child’s unique strengths. This not only makes therapy enjoyable but also significantly boosts your child’s confidence and motivation, helping them achieve their goals and truly reach their full potential.
As a registered member of the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapy, Gemma stays up to date with latest practice in paediatric occupational therapy.