Emily Chen is a state-registered Occupational Therapist (HCPC) specializing in pediatrics and sensory integration. With 10 years of experience in NHS and private clinics, she helps children develop essential motor skills and self-regulation. She provides practical 'sensory diets' for home and school.
Emily Chen graduated with an MSc in Occupational Therapy and holds an advanced certification in Ayres Sensory Integration®. She has spent a decade working in community pediatric teams within the NHS and in private practice, supporting children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), dyspraxia, and autism spectrum conditions. Emily’s expertise covers the tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems, explaining why some children crave 'heavy work' while others are sensitive to clothing labels. She is a specialist in fine motor development, guiding parents on how to move from palmar grasps to pincer grips through play-based activities like 'dough gym' and threading. Emily writes to empower parents to distinguish between behavioral tantrums and sensory meltdowns, offering tools for co-regulation and environmental modification. She advocates for 'active play' over screens to build the core strength and physical resilience necessary for sitting at a desk and handwriting in later school years.