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Practice guidance

We’ve developed a range of resources to help occupational therapists deliver best practice for children, young people and families. 

Whilst these were written for occupational therapists – commissioners, managers of children’s OT services and others may also find them useful.  

Quick guide for occupational therapists: Diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in children and adults

This short guide will be of interest to occupational therapists, other members of the multidisciplinary team and service commissioners. 

Members of the public seeking an assessment or diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) for themselves, or a family member may also be interested.  

Quick guide - Diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder in children and adults (PDF, 176.45KB) 

Quick guide: Long Covid and children and young people

We’ve developed two quick guides outlining the unique role of occupational therapists in supporting adults, children and young people to manage and recover from Long Covid. 

They were written for OTs working in specialist Long Covid services and in other acute, primary, secondary and community settings. 

They will also be useful for service managers and commissioners responsible for planning and delivering specialist Long Covid services, and for parents, carers and families of people affected by Long Covid.  

The guides and other relevant information can be found here: Post-COVID Syndrome (Long Covid) - RCOT 

Occupational therapy and play practice guideline

Our occupational therapy and play practice guideline provides recommendations based on high-quality research evidence. 

It supports occupational therapists’ use of play in assessment and intervention, and to evaluate play participation as a meaningful occupational therapy goal or outcome for the child or young person. 

Occupational Therapy and Play Practice Guideline - RCOT 

Sensory approaches

Informed view on sensory integration and sensory-based interventions

This evidence-based guide is for OTs, service managers and commissioners who are interested in sensory-based approaches. 

Members of the public may also find it useful. 

You can find the Informed View here: RCOT Informed Views - RCOT 

Quick guide: Weighted blankets for children and adults 

This short guide will help occupational therapists make decisions about the use of weighted blankets with children and adults. 

Members of the public considering weighted blankets for their personal use may also be interested. Weighted blankets for children and adults. A guide for occupational therapists. RCOT 2023.pdf (PDF, 424.04KB) 

Towards a better understanding of sensory approaches 

This presentation was given as part of a Council for Disabled Children webinar exploring different approaches to sensory support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in November 2021. 

The presentation examines terminology, a tiered approach to sensory interventions, training and qualifications, the evidence base and addressing sensory needs as part of an occupation-centred approach. 

Evidence Summaries

These evidence summaries were written by members of an OT community of practice known as Mind The Gap. They offer a pragmatic overview and practical insight into the evidence for a particular intervention. Occupational therapists are encouraged to: 

  • Read the documents to establish if they are relevant to their practice.  
  • Consider – and celebrate - elements that are already being done.  
  • Identify changes to improve practice/service based on the evidence summary. 
  • Identify barriers to implementation and consider how to address them. 
  • Develop an action plan to implement change. 
  • Use the audit tool (where available) to monitor the impact of the change.  

CO-OP approach for children and young people with developmental coordination disorder (DCD)

Family-centred practice

External links and resources

Council for Disabled Children: Education, Health and Care plans – examples of good practice

Council for Disabled Children: Education, Health and Care plans – examples of good practice

These resources will help practitioners write good quality Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans that meet both the letter and the spirit of the Children and Families Act 2014.  

Education, Health and Care Plans: Examples of good practice 

Health advice FINAL.pdf (councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk) 

Advice for Education, Health and Care Plans (councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk)