.png)
.png)
Welcome to Sunflower Sensory
I set up sunflower sensory as I became increasingly aware of adults and young people who are on ever increasing waiting lists for ADHD and Autism assessments.
In addition to this, I have experienced the emotions of parents who are feeling overwhelmed and unheard due to inappropriate demands placed on their children, particularly within learning environments.
The results are that young people are spending time in ‘isolation’ within school, displaying disruptive behavior or from a practical level are struggling with
-
wearing the uniform,
-
the noise of the bell or peers,
-
the transition between one classroom to the next,
-
eating lunch in noisy and large environments,
-
struggling to complete academic work.
By supporting families, I aim to allow them to feel listened to and validated.
Rebecca French
Owner
Why Sunflower Sensory?
The sunflower is a representation of hidden disabilities experienced by many of the population. The eight petals represent the eight sensory subsystems: visual, auditory, olfactory (smell), Gustatory (taste), Tactile, vestibular (sense of head movement in space), proprioception (sensations from muscles and joints) and interoception (physiological conditions of the body – the internal sense).
The hand is a representation of human connection and attachment. As human beings we develop a sense of safety and containment through our care givers, and we learn to co -regulate and manage emotions. Our ability to co regulate and then self-regulate is intrinsically linked with our sensory processing.
About the Business
Occupational therapy is for anyone who is experiencing difficulties functionally within everyday life. I aim to work with adults and young people who have barriers to accessing self-care, being able to be sociable, being able to go to work, being able to learn or being able to enjoy activities that are important to them.
About Me
I am Rebecca French and have been a qualified occupational therapist registered with the health and care professionals’ council (HCPC) since 2013. During my career I have worked within many areas including older people, brain injury, adult services from psychiatric intensive care units to rehabilitation units and most recently I have worked with young people in mental health and secure care settings. I have experience of working with children and adolescents with a wide range of different needs, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), foetal alcohol syndrome, learning disabilities and developmental trauma.
During my career I have enjoyed being able to adapt assessments to suit the needs of the individual and support adaptation of environments to support an individual to function whether this be within the home or within an education setting. I have supported parents in providing sensory assessments which have contributed to adaptions within school and supported EHCP plans.
I have also completed sensory assessments with adults which has enabled them to be appropriately supported both medically and functionally.
When I am not being an occupational therapist I enjoy spending time with my horse, Bally and riding my mountain bike! I love to be outdoors or at home with a good book and a coffee.
Services I Provide
Sensory Assessment
I can offer an initial consultation which would include talking to the young person/adult and parent and carer. During this consultation I would like information to gather in regards developmental milestones and the strengths and challenges which are currently being experienced. If it is felt that further consultation is to be required, this would include completing observations or asking the young person/adult or carer to complete further assessments. Initial assessment and consultation would indicate whether a sensory modulation program would be supportive of need or whether further exploration would be required. If a further stage is indicated, I can use The Evaluation in Ayres sensory integration (EASI) which is a reliable set of tests for assessing sensory integration functions within children. The EASI measures sensory perception, postural/ocular/bilateral motor integration, praxis, and sensory reactivity. This report will explain assessment findings and include recommendations which may include sensory integration interventions. Sensory integration intervention could be offered but this would be explored with parent/carer/local authority etc
Sensory Attachment
Sensory attachment is an integrated approach that looks at how early life experiences affected a person’s ability to manage stress within their lives. For specifically traumatised children and adults they tend to operate in persistent fear mode, maintaining a state of hyper-vigilance. This impedes the capacity for filtering out "irrelevant" sensory experiences such as background sights and sounds. SAI recognises the need to target the areas of the brain that are the source of dysfunction and support co regulation strategies. I can offer assessment based on SAI theory which would include conducting clinical observations and gathering information from carers/school/ or any environment relevant to need. A program known as the just right state could be offered, ideally with carers/adult/young person which looks at. The aim is to enhance awareness of emotional stress patterns and address the underlying reasons for behavior. Individuals can learn about; the different levels of self- regulation (physiological, sensory, emotional, and cognitive); the regulating effects of food and activities; and how to create an enriched environment that is tailor made both for sensory-attachment needs.
Client Stories
Thank you to your report Oliver will now be assessed by CYPS mental health team within 6 weeks & his school have finally passed his case to panel for home education!
Rating
"I contacted Rebecca as my daughter was placed in isolation for not wearing the correct school trousers. After completing a sensory assessment my daughter was allowed out of isolation and the teachers understood that she was not being 'difficult', she just couldn't cope with the trouser material. Thank you for your help!"
Rating
Where I'm Based
I am based within the Northeast of England.
I accept self-referrals and referrals from parents, schools, local authorities and wider professional agencies.
If there is a concern with transport then I can offer assessment within the home environment.
Contact Us
Contact Me