Dr Rob Kirkwood D.OccT, MSc/PGDip.OT, BA (Hons)

Since graduating from the University of Brighton in 2002, I have developed a breadth of clinical and research skills working in a range of settings with adults, young people and families. For over 10 years, I have been specialising in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, working with children, young people and families in clinical settings as well as at home and in schools. My key areas of interest include mental health and emotional wellbeing; neurodevelopment; sensory processing and attachment. I continue to work in the NHS as well as independent practice, giving consultation to schools, undertaking neurodevelopmental and paediatric assessments, as well as working with individual clients and families.

In 2013, I gained a Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy for participatory action research I undertook with cohorts of young people with hearing impairment, exploring their lived experience. I have presented my research at conferences both nationally and internationally and have recently co-edited a text book exploring diverse roles for occupational therapists published by M&K Publishing.

Through my mental health and neurodevelopmental work with children and families I have seen first-hand how neurodiversity can be overlooked or misdiagnosed. This has prompted me to develop my knowledge and skills in this fascinating field and has bolstered my commitment to help and support young people and families in making sense of their experiences and to manage its impact upon their daily lives.

I am a member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists (BOAT); the College of Occupational Therapists (COT) and two of its specialist sections - Children, Young People & Families (SS-CYPF) and Independent Practice (SS-IP); the Sensory Integration Network UK and Ireland; and am registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council).