Occupational Therapists in Edinburgh
Occupational therapists help children with everyday skills — handwriting, getting dressed, managing sensory overload, and building coordination. Browse 1 provider in Edinburgh, Scotland.
About occupational therapists
Occupational therapists (OTs) help children develop the practical skills they need for everyday life and school. If your child struggles with handwriting, finds it hard to sit still, is oversensitive to textures or sounds, or has difficulty with tasks like getting dressed or using cutlery, an OT can help identify why and put strategies in place.
Common signs that an OT assessment might help include messy or laboured handwriting, difficulty with buttons and zips, avoiding certain textures or foods, poor balance or coordination, trouble sitting still in class, or meltdowns triggered by sensory overload. If your child has a diagnosis of dyspraxia, autism, or sensory processing disorder, OT is often a core part of their support.
SEND services in Edinburgh
In Scotland, the SEND system works differently from England. Instead of EHCPs, children with additional support needs receive Individualised Educational Programmes (IEPs) or Co-ordinated Support Plans (CSPs). Edinburgh Council's Additional Support for Learning team coordinates provision across the city's schools. Scotland has its own legal framework under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) Act 2004.
Typical costs
Private OT assessments range from £300 to £600, with follow-up sessions around £60 to £100 per hour. NHS OT provision is free but can have very long waits, and some areas only offer group sessions. A private assessment can be used to support EHCP applications.