Emma Saunders

Working within a tertiary specialist service commissioned to support adults with complex presentations and a confirmed diagnosis of autism where other professionals within the mental health and the care system are unable to meet the person's needs effectively. Our primary aim is to support clients and professionals in preventing admissions or re-admissions to secure settings, e.g. mental health hospitals or the criminal justice system.

Occupational Therapy includes assessment, primarily using the Spectrum Star to provide guidance on where to start regarding therapeutic input. Completion of sensory assessments alongside the production sensory plans and person-centred strategies. This work includes psychoeducation where needed so as clients can better understand their bodies and emotional regulation.

At times this work requires multi-agency working as well as a good understanding of the MCA/safeguarding.

Qualified Sensory Integration Practitioner and Practice Educator. Currently the OT Placement Lead.

Occupational Therapist within a Mental Health Social Care team working with adults. Worked with a mix of adults aged between 18 and 65 all with a confirmed mental health condition, however, many clients were also neurodivergent. The role was a developing role with the aim of demonstrating that providing OT style enablement within an adult social care team could improve client engagement as well as general well-being. Completed safeguarding investigations where needed as well as mental capacity assessments. Qualified Practice Educator.

Occupational Therapist working as a Case Manager for a specialist adult social care team working with autistic adults aged 18+. Role included the completion of care needs assessments, safeguarding, providing support to clients and families as needed, multi-disciplinary working, mental capacity assessments, risk assessments, working as a best interest assessor, plus many other tasks as required to make the role as person centred as possible whilst aiming to improve the clients quality of life. Qualified Practice Educator.