about Mary Denman

Mary has worked in clinic settings assessing and treating children with Developmental Coordination Disorder, Autism and ADHD, providing advice and recommendations for home and school to support development of handwriting, motor skills and adapting the environment to meet sensory needs. She has worked within  mainstream and special schools assessing children for equipment such as specialist seating, bathing aids, slings and hoists and smaller items such as cutlery, kitchen aids and adaptive clothing.

She worked in senior management within the NHS for 12 years carrying out the most complex assessments and managing complaint/tribunal cases. This required close liaison with families, school staff, solicitors and other medical professionals.  She has extensive experience writing and presenting training programmes including parent and school workshops about sensory processing and the impact this can have on learning and play, as well as a training package for the therapy team across Berkshire supporting their clinical reasoning and report writing skills. She is trained in using the COOP approach (Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance) which encourages problem solving to learn new skills and increase independence. She is also trained in the Alert Programme which uses strategies to help children recognise and manage their sensory needs at home and in school.

Mary has managed a school years therapy service, offering support and training to Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Speech therapists, with a focus on effective clinical reasoning, clear goal setting, meaningful intervention, and providing advice to families and schools which is clear, concise and jargon free.  

Mary is an exceptionally experienced OT who is personable and approachable, dedicated to working with people to achieve their goals. She thrives on working with other professionals to ensure therapy is cohesive and integrated. Mary is described by her peers as a calming influence who is able to instil confidence in young people and their families.