Beth Paterson - Gentle Steps Occupational Therapy
Tell us about your business.
As a qualified, registered Occupational Therapist, I specialise in supporting neurodivergent children and their families. ‘Neurodivergent’ means people who process information, learn or behave differently from other people, who are called ‘neurotypical.’ It includes conditions such as Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Tourette’s syndrome.
Some of the children I work with are already diagnosed but many are awaiting assessment. There are currently long waiting lists for diagnostic assessments on the NHS, but children do not need a formal diagnosis for me to help them.
To start, I offer a free 30 minute no-obligation consultation for any parent who is considering using my services.
If a parent wants to work with me, I offer a range of services including:
- 1:1 advice and support for parents, in person or online.
- Full Occupational Therapy assessments, covering gross and fine motor skills, activities of daily living (including personal care, mealtimes and sleep), sensory needs, seating and positioning, behavioural needs and emotional regulation.
- Sensory assessments which include a full sensory profile of the child, i.e. which senses they are under or over responsive to. This includes the five senses of taste, smell touch etc but also lesser-known ones of vestibular and proprioception, which concerns bodily movements.
- All assessments include a detailed report with advice and recommendations for home and school, which parents and school staff are always grateful for.
- 1:1 occupational therapy sessions with children in home and school settings. I start with a one-off taster session and then I offer sessions in blocks of four.
- Lego Therapy.
- Screenings for Autism, ADHD and dyspraxia. These are not full diagnostic assessments, but provide a recommendation for whether a full assessment should be pursued.
Share the problem/need you are looking to address and how your business meets this need. What do people need and how does your business fix the problem/provide a solution?
I know from my personal experience having two children with special needs that parenting SEN children is really difficult. Many children who are neurodivergent have sensory processing problems which can lead to anxiety or stress as they try to cope with living in a world which is not designed for their needs. Specialised support, particularly from someone who understands the daily stressors of parenting SEN children is essential in order to help children to fulfil their potential.
I called my service Gentle Steps because it encapsulates what I am setting out to do: help children to fulfil their potential by helping them along the way, step by step. I offer a range of services for all aspects of SEN needs, including advice on sleep, picky eating, toileting issues and sensory needs. Each step could mean helping children to better manage any areas of difficulty, or advising parents on coping with issues like aggressive behaviour or sleep problems.
I know that specialist services are not always financially accessible for families and I offer payment in instalments which makes payments more flexible and manageable.
What inspired your idea and business?
My children, James and Lucy, were just 3 and 5 years old respectively when I applied for the Occupational Therapy course at London South Bank. They are now 6 and 8 and are my official toy testers! They test every potential toy I buy for my service and give me a thumbs up if they think other children will enjoy it!
During my journey as an LSBU student, we received a diagnosis of Autism and ADHD for my eldest child, James. My daughter is awaiting official diagnosis, but is almost certainly on the Autism Spectrum. I wanted to use my qualifications and experience to help more families like mine. I know there are many parents out there who are struggling with everyday life as an SEN parent. I want to use what I have learnt to help as many families as possible.
What has been the best part of your entrepreneurial journey?
Working with happy children who have grown and developed and parents who are coping better with life with SEN children. If I can make things easier for them and reduce stress and anxiety for children and families, that is a success for me. Neurodivergent children can use the skills I have taught them as young people and adults, to help them to cope with surviving in a neurotypical world.
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs just starting their journey?
Do your research and investigate your target market. What is the aim of your service? What are you going to provide? Who is your target market? What will they pay for your services?
I completed a business plan covering the first year, second year and third years of the business with anticipated expenses and profit to see if my plan was financially viable. Always keep an eye on the figures - I love my Google Sheet app so I can check expenses at a glance. I also recommend QuickBooks for invoicing.
What support would be most beneficial for your business at this stage? What are you looking for help on?
I am happy to be publicised as offering services in London as this is within my catchment area. I am based in Hertfordshire but I also cover London and I am happy to travel.
Where can we find more information about your business?
Please visit my website: www.gentlesteps.co.uk