Butterflies Holistic Occupational Therapy

Butterflies Holistic Occupational Therapy We are a friendly and reliable local children’s and adults occupational therapy service offering a bespoke and personalised approach within and around Leeds.

We are non-judgemental, flexible and transparent.

06/02/2026

An example of a potential learning environment🌟

Here is how it can work, and does work (on a smaller scale) in settings where they are able to approach their students with a neuro affirmimg and trauma informed approach, where sensory needs are understood and suitable strategies are implemented.

Thoughts?

We can support to do this work in educational settings.. contact hello@butterfliesot.com for a chat through.

Worried your child might be falling behind? This quick read explains what to look out for. If you need support, just SEN...
05/02/2026

Worried your child might be falling behind? This quick read explains what to look out for. If you need support, just SEND us a message for more info — we’re here to help 💛

Link in comments

04/02/2026

January is over, and the days are getting longer again! ☀️🌻

Here is how we kept ourselves busy in January (hibernation month)

-Added another staff member to the team (Welcome Freddie!), 

-Facilitated a workshop to families (and linked MDT), 

-Launched Un Frazzle and Reset Yoga sessions, 

-Fully launched Adult OT assessment and intervention -    Re-Discover Yourself!

-Joint OT and SLT assessment and intervention continues to thrive!

Did l miss anything???


🌟 I will award 20 House points to your chosen Hogwarts house if you can find the super regulated young person🌟
30/01/2026

🌟 I will award 20 House points to your chosen Hogwarts house if you can find the super regulated young person🌟

What actually happens in an Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment?This is the question we are asked most often. Let's de...
25/01/2026

What actually happens in an Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment?

This is the question we are asked most often. Let's demystify it.

🎯 WE OBSERVE, WE DON'T TEST:
We watch how they move, what they avoid, what they seek out and how they communicate.
We use a range of assessments to identify strengths and challenges, looking at patterns, and areas which with some intervention.
We will send out forms and questionnaires to complete before an assessment, as well as ask questions to understand the whole child.

🤝 YOU'RE THE EXPERT:
We ask detailed questions about daily routines, triggers, strengths, what you've tried, and your concerns.
Your input shapes the entire assessment.

📊 WHAT WE'RE ASSESSING:
Sensory processing, motor skills, self-regulation, daily living skills, play and social engagement, and environmental barriers.

⏱️ TIMELINE:
Initial session: Free 15-30 minute consultation and then a 2-3 hour assessment. Nursery / School visit: If needed. Report: 6-8 weeks.

📋 WHAT YOU GET:
Detailed observations
Your child's STRENGTHS and CHALLENGES
Sensory profile
Specific, practical strategies
School accommodation recommendations
Support plan
Not a list of deficits. A roadmap for support.

🦋 WHY OURS LOOK DIFFERENT:
Neuro-affirming lens (we're not trying to "fix" your child), strengths-based, collaborative with parents, practical recommendations you can actually use.

Trauma Informed assessment and intervention - We prioritise safety, choice, and empowerment.

The goal isn't a diagnosis or a label. The goal is UNDERSTANDING.

Understanding what your child needs. Understanding how to support them. Understanding their unique neurology.

Considering an OT assessment? Questions? Drop them below 👇

19/01/2026

🌟 It's here!!!!... the first adults Unfrazzle and RESET session is on the 30th January 2026. From then they are the last Friday of the month🌟

Time: 18.30 for 1 hour
Cost: £12
All equipment provided apart from blankets.

To book on DM me or email hello@butterfliesot.com

Your Child's Behaviour Is Communication - Here's the TranslationWhy Your Child Threw the iPad at Your Head."Your child i...
19/01/2026

Your Child's Behaviour Is Communication - Here's the Translation

Why Your Child Threw the iPad at Your Head.
"Your child is communicating." Great. But what are they saying when they smack their sibling or throw a tablet across the room?

They aren't saying "I hate you."

The translation could be:
1️⃣ Hitting/Pushing: "My proprioceptive system is under-stimulated. I don't know where my body ends and the world begins. I need impact to feel grounded."
1️⃣ Screaming: "My auditory processing bucket is full. The hum of the fridge and the dog barking is physically painful."
3️⃣ Running Away (Eloping): "Fight or flight has kicked in. I am escaping a threat you can't even see."

What behaviour are you struggling to decode? Tell us 👇

"They'll Eat When They're Hungry." (Spoiler: No, They Won't.)There is a massive difference between a child testing bound...
16/01/2026

"They'll Eat When They're Hungry." (Spoiler: No, They Won't.)

There is a massive difference between a child testing boundaries (Food Selectivity) and a child whose nervous system views a blueberry as a threat (ARFID/Sensory aversion).

Here is the hard truth: A child with a sensory feeding disorder will starve themselves before they eat a 'safe' food that has been 'contaminated' by a sauce they hate.

✨ Selectivity: Eats less than 30 foods but will eventually try new things.
✨ Disorder: Gags or vomits at the sight/smell of food. Drops entire food groups (e.g., no fruit at all).

The Golden Rule: You cannot discipline a child into eating. When you add pressure (bribing, begging, shouting), their body releases adrenaline. Adrenaline kills appetite. It is a biological fact.

If you are waiting for a referral to a dietitian or feeding team, the best thing you can do right now is declare a ceasefire. Make the table safe again.

Save this post. The next time a well-meaning relative tells you to "force them," show them this.

📋 REQUESTING AN EHCP:You or your child's school can request an assessment from the Leeds City Council SEND team.Include:...
13/01/2026

📋 REQUESTING AN EHCP:
You or your child's school can request an assessment from the Leeds City Council SEND team.

Include: Professional reports, examples of needs, and what's been tried.

⏱️ TIMELINE: 6 weeks for initial decision, 20 weeks for full assessment (if agreed)

💼 WHY OT REPORTS HELP:
Detailed professional reports provide specific evidence about your child's sensory, motor, and regulation needs, helping the SEND team understand the full picture.

📞 KEY LEEDS RESOURCES:
SENDIASS Leeds (free impartial advice)
Your school SENCO
Local parent support groups

💪 REMEMBER:
You can request an EHCP yourself
Private assessments can support your case
You're part of the team, making decisions

The process takes time, but support is available.

Questions about SEND? Ask below 👇

Save this post. DM us if you want a professional OT report to help support your case

07/01/2026

We 💜 our lycra swing.. definitely a firm favourite by all who come here (as well as us... obvs!). It's so versatile and can be used to regulate, develop postural stability, gross and fine motor skills, and also works so well as a den.

FYI l was not harmed when the lycra swing completed covered my head, but do hope this gave you a chuckle!

occupationaltherapistleeds

Back to School Doesn't Mean Back to MaskingHe was fine all day!" says the teacher. And you believe them. Until you get t...
05/01/2026

Back to School Doesn't Mean Back to Masking

He was fine all day!" says the teacher. And you believe them. Until you get to the car park.

That’s when the explosion happens. The screaming, the kicking, the absolute collapse.

This isn't "bad behaviour" because they feel safe with you. That’s a nice sentiment, but it doesn't help you drive home safely.

This is masking. Your child has spent 6 hours suppressing their sensory needs, mimicking social cues, and holding their body still to survive the classroom. They are exhausted.
If January means a return to the after-school meltdown, the school environment isn't working, even if the teacher says it is.

We need to build a sensory de-escalation plan for that 3:15 pm pickup before you even turn the engine on.

Drop a 🎒 in the comments if you dread the after-school pickup. Let’s talk strategy.

💜🦋
05/01/2026

💜🦋

Address

Leeds
LS81AY

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

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Hi

We are about making positive change happen. We do this by being holistic and bespoke.

Butterflies explores and assess’s, plans bespoke solutions, engage’s and implements therapy and evaluates intervention and progress.

We offer services to support children who may be having difficulties with everyday activities which is having a negative impact on their lives. These include, dressing, toileting, feeding, emotional regulation, handwriting, fine motor. We provide assessment, goal setting and therapy.

We can complete specific assessments to support your children with gaining learning access arrangements at school such as use of a laptop and/or extra time in exams if relevant and required. These assessments are linked to handwriting, motor function impairment and any sensory needs.