Dr Emma Da-Silva
Emma Da-Silva can help with:
Comprehensive occupational therapy assessments
Sensory integration therapy (including intensive programmes)
Fine motor skill development (e.g. handwriting, grip, scissor skills)
Gross motor coordination and balance
Motor planning and dyspraxia support
Postural control and core strength
Hand function and upper limb development
Visual-perceptual and visual-motor skills
Self-care skills (dressing, feeding, toileting independence)
Emotional regulation linked to sensory processing
Development of individualised home and school programmes
Autism assessments (ADOS & ADI-R as part of a multidisciplinary team)
Post-diagnostic therapy and practical strategies
Specialist equipment recommendations and environmental adaptations
Support for EHCP processes and school liaison
Emma Da-Silva offers
Types of Therapy
Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory Integration Intensive Programmes
Individual Occupational Therapy Sessions
Fine Motor Skills Therapy
Gross Motor Skills & Coordination Therapy
Motor Planning & Dyspraxia Intervention
Hand Function & Handwriting Therapy
Postural Control & Core Stability Programmes
Visual-Perceptual & Visual-Motor Therapy
Self-Care & Functional Independence Training
Environmental Adaptation & Equipment Intervention
School-Based Occupational Therapy Support
Post-Diagnostic Autism Support (as part of MDT care)
Emma Da-Silva is qualified to work with
Children and young people up to 18 years
Children and young people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
Individuals with ADHD and attention difficulties
Dyspraxia / Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Sensory Processing Difficulties
Developmental Delay
Learning Disabilities
Specific Language Disorders
Fine and gross motor coordination difficulties
Visual-perceptual and visual-motor challenges
Emotional regulation difficulties linked to sensory needs
Children requiring EHCP assessment and school-based support
Young people transitioning to further education or adulthood
Emma Da-Silva's Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, Teesside University
HCPC Registered Occupational Therapist (OT 64418)
Trained in ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
Trained in ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised)
Advanced training in Sensory Integration Therapy
Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)
Member of the National Handwriting Association
Member of PATOSS (Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties)
Additional training in:
Handwriting assessment and intervention
Yoga for children with developmental challenges
Moving & Handling
Conflict Resolution
Complex community care and physiotherapy support principles
Emma Da-Silva's Publications
Emma is actively engaged in clinical practice and service development within occupational therapy and neurodevelopmental assessment. While she does not currently publish in academic journals, she regularly contributes to:
Parent and professional workshops
Educational training sessions
School-based consultation reports
Multidisciplinary clinical assessment reports
She remains committed to evidence-based practice and ongoing professional development.
Emma Da-Silva - Specialist Occupational Therapist | Sensory Integration | ADOS & ADI-R Assessor
Emma is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist with over 14 years of clinical practice supporting children, young people and families across independent schools, specialist settings, and private practice.
She specialises in sensory integration therapy, motor development, functional skills, and comprehensive developmental assessments. Emma works closely with families to understand each child’s strengths and challenges, creating practical, individualised programmes that support confidence, independence and everyday participation at home and school.
Emma is trained in the administration of ADOS and ADI-R assessments and works as part of multidisciplinary teams to contribute to high-quality autism diagnostic assessments. She has extensive experience collaborating with psychiatrists, psychologists, speech and language therapists, and schools to ensure families receive clear guidance and meaningful post-diagnostic support.
Her clinical approach is warm, structured and child-centred. She places strong emphasis on building trust with children and young people, helping them feel understood and supported throughout assessment and intervention.
Emma’s areas of expertise include:
Sensory integration therapy (including suspended equipment techniques)
Fine and gross motor skill development
Hand function and handwriting
Postural control and motor planning
Visual-perceptual processing
Self-care and functional independence skills
Specialist equipment and environmental adaptations
Intensive sensory programmes
School collaboration and EHCP/SEN tribunal support
Emma is registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is a long-standing member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. She is committed to ongoing professional development and maintaining the highest standards of clinical care.