Occupational Therapist - Gaynor Spencer

03/05/2026

03/05/2026

It’s fantastic to see the Tameside and Glossop Adult Autism Assessment Service out in the community at the "Proud to Be Me" event.
As an OT, I really resonate with the feedback they received: while sensory adjustments like lighting are vital, understanding and kindness are often the most powerful tools for accessibility.
A diagnosis is so much more than a clinical label, it’s about self-validation and ensuring the right "reasonable adjustments" are in place so people can thrive in their daily lives, work, and healthcare.
Well done to Tracy and Eilis for sharing these important insights on Tameside Radio! 🎙️

Check out their website for excellent resources and information on the referral process. 👇



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Our Tameside and Glossop adult autism assessment service were at the Proud to Be Me autism information event last week, organised by Tameside Council.

The team spoke to lots of people about their experience of health appointments, what is difficult about appointments and what makes them easier.

Tracy and Eilis were also interviewed by Tameside Radio. You can listen to the full interview on their website or read a few quotes below:

“We find out from people after being assessed that finding out they are autistic helps them understand themselves and helps other people understand them a lot better.

“It gives a lot of validation, a quick and easy way to explain some things that they might find difficult and obviously, legality wise, it gives them access to reasonable adjustments in work, in education, or when accessing health care appointments.

“One thing that people have told us would make the biggest difference to their health care appointments - although it's been things like bright lights and long waits - the most noticeable thing people have been saying to me is understanding and kindness.

“I want everybody to make an effort to understand what autism is about. And, you know, everybody's different.”

There's a lot of helpful information, videos and links on the Tameside and Glossop adult autism assessment service website, including how to refer for an assessment.

01/05/2026

It’s been a busy and incredibly rewarding week in the community, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish it off.
Today was a perfect example of why I love being an Occupational Therapist, no two sessions are ever the same, and every goal is personal.

💪 I spent the morning at the gym with a wonderful young lady with Autism. We’ve been working on navigating the sensory environment of a fitness center while building physical coordination and routine. Seeing her gain confidence with the equipment and reclaim that space as her own is what OT is all about!

🏠 I wrapped up the day with a home visit to a gentleman focusing on falls prevention. We spent our session working on: ⚖️Balance exercises to improve stability during daily tasks.
🏋️Functional strength to make getting in and out of chairs safer and easier.
⛑️Home safety tweaks to keep him independent and confident in his own space.

Whether it’s hitting the gym or staying safe at home, it’s all about supporting independence and helping people live life to the fullest.

Wishing you all a safe and restful weekend!

Everyone Active TopFans

30/04/2026

It’s been a busy and thought-provoking day working in Preston with a wonderful young man who has Learning Disabilities and Autism.
I was asked by the team to assist his GP and practice nurse during a home visit. Because he has been engaging so well with our recent OT sessions, the team hoped my presence might help him feel comfortable enough to have a necessary blood test.

🛡️ Protecting the Therapeutic Relationship
While I always want to help, I had to make a difficult professional call. I voiced my concern that if the procedure became traumatic, he might associate me with that distress, potentially damaging the trust we’ve spent so long building.
If that bond breaks, our future progress in building his independence and daily living skills could stall. The medical team was incredibly supportive and agreed that maintaining our therapeutic relationship was a priority.

🧩 The Reality of Sensory & Emotional Overload
Unfortunately, despite everyone's best efforts, the procedure was too much for him. He became very upset, and the team was unable to complete the test.
I spent the afternoon working through a social story with him, exploring why check-ups are important. However, today his anxiety was just too high to process it.

🤝 Advocacy in Action
In OT, we don't just look at the task; we look at the well-being of the whole person. We had a very honest discussion about the "cost" of these interventions versus the benefit.

The Outcome: The GP agreed that given the level of distress caused, they will not be attempting further blood tests unless it becomes an absolute medical emergency.
Days like today remind me that advocacy is a huge part of my role. Sometimes, "success" isn't getting the clinical task done, it's ensuring a client feels heard, safe, and protected in their own home.

Everyone Active TopFans

29/04/2026

It’s been an incredible day of collaboration and connection!

I’ve been out and about working closely with the wonderful team at First Steps Together Group.

Here’s a little peek into what I’ve been up to:
💪 Sensory Assessments: Spending quality time diving deep into how our little ones process the world around them to help create the best support plans possible. 🔍
💪 Sensory Music Class: We’ve been making some noise! There’s nothing quite like watching kids engage with rhythm and sound to support their development and regulation. 🎶🥁
💪 Collaborative Problem Solving: I’ve also been working alongside a fantastic teacher to support a little girl who seeks deep pressure by biting. We are currently trialing different "chewies" to help her get that vital proprioceptive stimulus she needs to feel grounded and focused in the classroom. 🦷✨

I love being part of a team that works together to ensure every child has the right tools to thrive.

Does your child have a favorite sensory tool or "chewy" that helps them stay regulated?
I’d love to hear about it in the comments!** 👇

Everyone Active TopFans

28/04/2026

Decision time: Are you waiting for 'one day' or is today 'day one'?
​The independence you’re working toward isn't waiting for a formal invitation. It’s waiting for you to pick up the tools, adapt the environment, and take the lead.
​Action is the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. Let’s get moving. 🔥
Contact my on 📞 07419 291231
For a free consultation.
​ "

28/04/2026

Do you know that it is superhero day today!!

28/04/2026

Growth doesn’t always look the way people expect… and that’s the beauty of it! 🌷💛 Tag someone who needs this reminder.

28/04/2026

Great community resource

Our next SEND steppers walk will take place at Hyde Park meeting outside the cafe area next Wednesday 6th May 11-12pm. Please come and join us for a short stroll around the park and a FREE drink from the cafe afterwards. All children, buggies and doggies welcome!!!

28/04/2026

The ultimate OT 'Evening Occupation'... ☕✨
Finishing my day with a warm cuppa and a moment of quiet. As OTs, we’re always helping others find their balance, but how do YOU reset once the clock stops?

Is it a book? A walk? Or maybe just some intentional silence?

Drop a photo or an emoji of your evening ritual below! 👇

28/04/2026

🌿 Why the Garden is Our Favorite "Clinic" 🌿

Today at the rehab centre, our gardening group was in full bloom, and I’m not just talking about the plants! 🌸

As an Occupational Therapist, I love the garden because it’s one of the most versatile therapeutic environments we have. Whether I’m working with a young adult recovering from a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or a senior regaining life skills after a stroke, the "work" we do in the dirt is actually rebuilding independence.

Why does gardening work for neuro-rehab?
It’s a powerhouse for the "whole person":
💠 Physical Strength & Precision: We’re working on fine motor skills when pinching tiny seeds and gross motor balance when reaching to water a far corner of a raised bed. For stroke survivors, it’s the perfect way to practice functional weight-shifting.
💠 Cognitive "Workouts": Following a multi-step planting guide or deciding which plant is a w**d and which is a flower challenges executive functioning, memory, and problem-solving.
💠 Sensory Integration:The smell of damp earth, the texture of fuzzy leaves, and the bright colors help "wake up" neural pathways. It can be incredibly grounding for clients who feel overstimulated by a clinical environment.
💠 Emotional Resilience: Rehab is hard. The garden shifts the focus from "disability" to capability. There is a unique sense of self-efficacy that comes from seeing a seedling thrive because you cared for it.

The beauty of this group is its inclusivity. We use raised beds and vertical planters for those with limited mobility, and high-contrast tools or fragrant plants for our clients with visual impairments.

Today wasn't just about growing flowers; it was about growing confidence, one seedling at a time. 🌱✨

Does anyone else find the garden to be their "happy place" for recovery?

Let us know in the comments! 👇