WELCOME!
ExcelChild aims to provide a service of excellence in which children can excel,
families can thrive and a changed child can transform a family. ExcelChild is based in Norwich, Norfolk UK.
Referral Route
A parent can refer their child. Initial contact can be made via telephone or email. A referral form will be sent which includes questions regarding the child’s early development. Once this is filled in an appointment date is set.
Assessment
The initial assessment depends on the presenting issues and age of the child. For children within main stream school aged 4 years and over the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test, Sensory and Structured Clinical Observations are used. This can take up to three hours in duration, parents should bring a small snack for the child and be dressed in shorts and T-shirt. For younger children and children with learning disabilities other tests such as the Movement ABC and Visual Motor Integration and Clinical Observations are used.
After the assessment appointment the raw results are collated, scored and entered onto a computer. Contact is made with the child’s school and further information is collated about their level of ability and their sensory response to a typical day in the classroom. For Tribunal assessments a school visit is carried out which includes a classroom observation and feedback with the teacher/head. The results are then interpreted and written up into a detailed report with recommendations for the level of intervention including home, school and direct treatment at the clinic. The parent or referring agent receives a bespoke report detailing the outcome of assessment.
A feedback appointment is given to parents so the report can be read, questions asked and discussed.
SENSORY INTEGRATION
What is it?
Sensory Integration (SI) is a term used to describe the registration and processing of sensation through touch, movement, body position, vision, smell, taste and sound. The brain organises and interprets sensory information and this process is called Sensory Integration. This provides a foundation on which behaviours and learning are built upon. If this foundation is unstable and has gaps the resultant behaviours and learning are affected.
Sensory Integration develops in the course of typical childhood activities but for some children (as many of 5-10%) Sensory Integration does not develop as well as it should, this is known as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). When sensation is dis-organised, a child could develop difficulties with learning, movement and behaviour. A child may be over sensitive to noise, touch or movement and they may seek movement or appear to be ‘on the go’ all the time. Children with SPD require specialist intervention to enable their sensory systems to develop and mature so the child can be more independent in life.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
EXPERT SERVICES
Standardised Tests
Specialist Sensory and Movement Assessment using Standardised Tests, report, recommendations and feedback.
Expert Witness at Trials
Expert Witness Report/Tribunal assessment and attendance at Special Educational Needs Tribunal.
Sensory Integration Treatment
Direct treatment Intervention of Sensory integration using specialised suspended equipment.
Parent Coaching
This includes parent coaching to assist their understanding of their child and sensory strategies for use at home.
School Visits
School visits consist of: observation of a child at school, report feedback to teaching staff, sensory classroom strategies and a sensory motor programme for the school to carryout sometimes on a daily basis for a set period of time with measurable goals.
Direct Treatment
Direct Treatment is when the child receives a series of individual sessions of Sensory Integration which are best delivered within a clinic space and include the following:
-
Therapy rolls, trampette and blocks enable opportunities to develop and improve postural control working from stable to unstable surfaces, including initially regulating linear and later more challenging rotational vestibular input during movement. Suspended equipment swings provide opportunities to develop and improve postural control and the sensory systems working from stable to unstable surfaces and challenging gravity. Many children are fearful when their feet are off the ground and dislike being thrown in the air or get travel sick.
-
Target games, Access to suspended equipment swings, inner tubes, hammock and bolster swings, will introduce pumping and push/pull activities (proprioceptive) to enable resistive and swing movements “heavy work” will also encourage prone and antigravity extension.
-
Obstacle courses for pulling, climbing and pushing the body against resistance and gravity.
SENSORY AWARENESS TRAINING COURSES
For Parents, Carers, Teachers, Learning Support Assistants and other Health Care Professionals who would like further knowledge in understanding the difference between childhood behaviour and sensory integration issues.
Sensory Awareness Training (SAT) Level One
An extensive introduction to Sensory Integration, what it is, the affected sensory systems and
how you can recognise the signs and symptoms.
NEW online on-demand training in your own time.
Once you enrol on a course, you have immediate access to Sensory Awareness Training. ExcelChild Therapy's Sensory Awareness Training courses are designed for a full day of learning, however you can learn in your own time around your commitments. You have 30 days access to complete the course after you enrol.
This SAT1 course is the equivalent of 5.15 hours of CPD
ABOUT US
Founder: Dr Mary Hamilton BSc (Hons), MSc Paeds, PG Cert ASI, DProf
Dr Mary Hamilton graduated from Coventry University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. Her junior rotation included neurology, elderly rehabilitation, orthopaedics and head injuries, before she held a senior post in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Peterborough for four years. In 1999, she completed a Master of Science in Paediatrics at the University of East London. Mary then worked within Norwich NHS Paediatrics for 12 years, specialising in Sensory Integration and becoming an Advanced Practitioner in 2014 through the University of Ulster. She has since completed a Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care (ARU Cambridge), specialising in the neurological patterns of sensory integration in children with psychological trauma. Mary is also a member of ASI-WISE, reflecting her ongoing commitment to evidence-based Ayres Sensory Integration practice.
Private Paediatric Occupational Therapy Clinic in Norwich
Excel Child is a private paediatric occupational therapy clinic established in 2011 to support children and young people with a range of needs, including ADHD, Pathological Demand Avoidance, Tourette’s syndrome, autism, dyspraxia and sensory integration challenges. Many of the children referred to the clinic experience difficulties participating in the school curriculum, regulating their emotions, sleeping, developing friendships and managing everyday activities such as dressing, washing, hair brushing and eating. These challenges can also present as anxiety, distress, clumsiness, disruptive or defiant behaviours, or high levels of sensory sensitivity. Families often feel frustrated, isolated and unsure how best to support their child. After 18 years working in the NHS, Dr Mary Hamilton established Excel Child to provide specialist assessment, intervention and practical guidance for children, families and schools. Ayres Sensory Integration intervention aims to train and develop the central nervous system, supporting the sensory, regulation, attention and motor foundations that underpin learning and everyday participation. She also assists with occupational therapy recommendations for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), helping to identify provision that supports learning, participation, concentration and functional independence. Mary is a qualified Integrated Listening System Practitioner, and this approach may be used as part of treatment sessions where clinically appropriate.
Governing Body and Professional Memberships
Mary is a member of the College of Occupational Therapy UK and the Specialist Section of Independent Practice. She works according to the College of Occupational Therapy’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Mary is qualified to the highest module in Sensory Integration (SI4) and holds Advanced Practitioner Status. She has completed a Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care, specialising in the neurological patterns of sensory integration in children with psychological trauma. Mary engages in regular clinical supervision, maintains a Continuing Professional Development Portfolio, and keeps up to date with regular training to ensure Excel Child maintains excellence and expertise.
