Our passion is to support children and young adults to thrive, flourish and be actively engaged in life.

Providing specialist occupational therapy services throughout the southwest using a team-based approach. 

Cornwall, UK.

jumping child
member of rcot logo

Who We See

kids on beach
  • DYSPRAXIA & DEVELOPEMENTAL DISORDER
  • AUTISTIC SPECTRUM CONDITIONS (ASC)
  • NEURODEVELOPMENTAL CONDITIONS
  • ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY
  • SENSORY PROCESSING DIFFICULTIES
  • BEHAVIOURS THAT CHALLENGE
  • LEARNING DIFFICULTIES
  • HYPERMOBILITY/EHLERS DANLOS SYNDROME
  • INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE HAD ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • PROFOUND & MULTIPLE LEARNING DISABILITIES (PMLD)

What We Provide

  • Initial Consultation
  • Full assessment & recommendations
  • Development of specialist support programmes
  • Close working with the multi-disciplinary team
  • Direct therapeutic intervention at home or school
  • Application of Ayres Sensory Integration Theory
  • Contribution and Reports for Educational Health Care Plans
  • Advice on environmental adaptations
  • Bespoke training & guidance to school/care/families
  • Consultation to school through termly contracts
  • Formal reports

What We Do

PLAY/LEARNING THROUGH FUN

SELF-DIRECTED APPROACH

PARENT AND CHILD SESSIONS

HOLISTIC APPROACH

FINE MOTOR SKILLS/ HANDWRITING

WHOLE BODY COORDINATION

AYRES SENSORY INTEGRATION

ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTATIONS

MEANINGFUL FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITIES

NATURE APPROACH

EMOTIONAL REGULATION

STRENGTHS-BASED APPROACH TO AUTISM

SCHOOL AND HOME VISITS/SESSIONS

BUILDING INDEPENDENCE SKILLS

Who We Are

Rosie Gibbons
Co Director and founder of Vigere OT ltd Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist PG Dip OT, BSc (Hons) and MSc, RCOT, HCPC, Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner

I have over 16 years’ experience in the field of paediatrics, and am passionate about supporting children, young adults and their families to engage and thrive in everyday life. Having a sibling with additional needs has given me an intrinsic understanding of the experiences and challenges that families experience throughout life.

I provide assessment and treatment for children and young adults with a range of needs, including autistic spectrum condition, global developmental delay, developmental coordination disorder/dyspraxia, cerebral palsy, ADHD and Acquired Brain Injury. I have a special interest in Sensory Integration (ASI), and am qualified as an Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner. I have also completed training in Sensory Attachment Intervention, and actively apply these techniques in my work.

As part of my role as director of Vigere OT Cornwall I work closely with local organisations and funding bodies including Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). I have also developed extensive experience through previous work as a Case Manager, providing specialist support to adults and children with Acquired Brain Injury and Autism.

For me, living and working in Cornwall is all about harnessing our great outdoors. Where possible, I use nature and whole-body movement as part of the therapeutic process. I am currently developing this through EcoSensory Therapy, a treatment approach to support physical and mental health by working with nature to regulate through the senses.

louise thrower co-founder
Louise Thrower
Co Director and founder of Vigere OT ltd Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist BSc (Hons), RCOT, HCPC, Accredited Sensory Integration Practitioner

I am an experienced Children’s Occupational Therapist with a kind, holistic, family centred approach. I am motivated to find creative ways to support children and young adults to learn, thrive, develop and engage within their physical and social environment.

I have a specialist interest and passion for supporting children and young adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities and in November 2022 spoke on this subject in the conference section at the OT Show.

Since qualifying over a decade ago, I have developed specialist knowledge and expertise in a range of paediatric areas including child development, trauma, acquired brain injury, neurodevelopmental conditions, developmental coordination disorder/dyspraxia, learning disabilities and mental health. I have worked as an OT within the private sector, NHS and education setting, providing comprehensive assessments, professional reports and effective interventions.

I am an Accredited Sensory Integration Practitioner (ASI) and actively apply principles of Sensory Attachment Intervention (SAI) when understanding the needs of a child or young person.

As part of my role as Director of Vigere OT Cornwall, I am the Clinical Lead for the Special Partnership Trust. My primary role is to oversee the analysis of activity and environmental modification with the goal of reducing pupils’ barriers to learning; and ensuring pupil participation in meaningful school occupations. A focus on supporting children to feel organised and regulated.

I work extensively with children and young adults with a full range of physical, emotional and learning needs, always seeking to understand how a child/young person has and is experiencing the world, as I believe that only then can we begin to help them grow and feel safe within it.

Meet The Associates

“We believe in the importance of working closely as part of a multi-disciplinary team to ensure the best outcomes for our families. Vigere Occupational Therapy uses an associate model approach, with close links to a medical practitioner and local specialist professionals.”

Cornwall Autism is run by Speech and Language Therapist, Oni Law, and Occupational Therapist, Mary Hosken and offers private autism assessments for children and young people in Cornwall. Both Oni and Mary have extensive experience of autism assessment in the NHS, and still work in the local ASDAT and Neurodevelopmental Assessment Teams; they are also passionate about being able to offer families another choice for pursuing a diagnostic assessment. Find out more about them on their website:
www.cornwallautism.com
or email them on:
hello@cornwallautism.com

logo of maverick therapies

Maverick Therapies is led by Occupational Therapist Liv Topham, an experienced and highly trained OT with a background spanning across paediatric and adult settings. Located between Newquay and Truro, Maverick Therapies offers equine-assisted and nature-based approaches to support wellbeing and meet individual needs.

Services include occupational therapy assessments, one-on-one and group interventions, consultations, and training, provided both on-site and at homes and schools throughout mid Cornwall.

To learn more, visit www.mavericktherapies.co.uk or email mavericktherapies@gmail.com

kate rollo
Kate Rollo
Specialist Occupational Therapist

BSc (Hons) 2:1 in Occupational Therapy, University of Plymouth, Sep 2011 – June 2014

I am a motivated individual with a passion for Occupational Therapy, particularly in the area of paediatrics and learning disabilities. My career covers adult mental health, stroke rehab, acute trauma, adult learning disabilities and more recently paediatric mental health services and learning disabilities. I have enjoyed working for the NHS and within the private health and social care sector. I am someone who takes pride with having a broad range of experience and an eye for learning and developing new skills in a number of fields. I have excellent communication, social and organisational skills, along with the dedication and eagerness to work and succeed. I am a hardworking Occupational Therapist committed to my career and the individuals, families and teams whom I support.

Meet Me Where I Am

Where am I going?
Where should I be?
Is that where I’m headed?
Is that what you see?

You’re already there
In this place that I’m not
That’s where you’re starting
That’s what you’ve got

A place that’s without me
That’s foreign, afar
Goals have been written
But who are they for?

My parents or peers?
My teachers or friends?
Am I something to fix?
Something to mend?

You want to know me
So enter my world
Don’t help me unravel
Watch me unfurl

Can you start where I am?
Why not meet me there?
Invite me to play
We’ll make quite a pair

Play is a window
Play is my door
Play is a language
We’ve both learned before

They say its not play
Doesn’t look as it should
But I’m telling you more
Than they thought that I could

So liven my senses
See what I seek
Come into my world
Just take a peek

Do you know where my world is?
Can I show you where?
Can I ask you a question?
Will you meet me there?

Developed by Lou Thrower, Written by Katie Flaxman
"Louise assessed my 9 year old son for DCD. From start to finish I found her approach professional but friendly. She’s a parent herself so really understands from the parent perspective. My son actually really enjoyed the assessment itself as she’s quite fun and great with children. For me I’ve just been super impressed with her communication, both with me and the school. She’s really helped me understand the problems my son is facing but in a really positive way. Her written report is extremely thorough and recommendations clear and achievable. School have said that they have found her input invaluable to. I feel like she has made a real difference to my son’s life by simply helping those around him to understand how is brain and body is functioning. I can’t recommend her enough."
Parent
"Rosie has a real warmth and ability to connect with people, especially parent to parent. I am touched by her passion to help people. She is genuine, trustworthy and a great communicator, who works to time frames set, providing comprehensive reports. Rosie displays a extensive knowledge of SEN, Acquired Brain Injury and Sensory challenges, enabling her to provide valuable support - she is making a massive difference in my family’s lives currently. Sincere thanks Rosie"
Parent
"Louise worked with my son for 7 months, supporting his sensory processing difficulties. In that time I saw a significant difference in my son’s behavior. He is now able to use language rather than physical violence to explain how he is feeling and is starting to independently use strategies to bring him to a normal state. Louise was happy to meet at extra times to discuss and coach me when I was in the initial stages of understanding what was going on. Louise helped me develop a wide range of strategies to support my son in many different circumstances. My son developed a strong relationship with Louise where he felt confident to try new things and express himself within her sessions. Louise used assessments at the beginning and throughout the therapy to show progression and plan next steps. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Louise."
Parent
Rosie was critical in assisting the early diagnosis of my daughter with dyspraxia and sensory integration difficulties when she was 6 years old. Early diagnosis of girls is incredibly difficult to achieve but with Rosie’s expert testing and guidance we achieved an expert analysis of my daughter’s unique skill base and what challenges needed addressing. To have an occupational therapist that has inspired my child to embrace her dyspraxia and celebrate her unique skill set has been amazing. Rosie’s dedication has seen my daughter flourish in the classroom. She has grown in confidence and Rosie attends meetings to help ensure her teachers are up to date on her learning needs. Dyspraxia is something many people have limited knowledge of and having an advocate like Rosie is important. An early diagnosis and support plan undertaken by Rosie has been critical to her development and growth. Without that intervention and commitment from Rosie, my child would not have developed to the standard she is today. As a mum of a girl with dyspraxia an early diagnosis has been a god send. Rosie has been absolutely critical to ensuring my daughter’s development and confidence. Rosie offers a rare combination of expertise and kindness. She identifies a child’s needs and works with them to encourage them to have fun while doing their OT, to embrace it and want to do it more and more. Her support to parents and school cannot be overstated. If your child needs OT support – Rosie is the person you need to help. It will make the journey they have and you have supported, educational and therapeutic.
Parent
"We had an full assessment for our 16 year old son who has complex needs (including ASD). He has high anxiety and is refusing to engage with any education or therapy. Louise’s enthusiasm and warmth enabled him to take a risk and begin the assessment. He actually ended up enjoying the process and clearly trusted Louise. The report is incredibly helpful and gives us a much clearer idea of his challenges and strengths. This will enable us to ask for the support he needs in the future, including for his new EHCP and his PIP claim. Louise also gave us (parents) some follow-up sessions to help us begin to implement some of her suggestions. This was by far the most useful information and advice we have ever had from a professional, I cannot recommend Louise highly enough."!
Parent
”Lou has worked with my daughter, age 17 with Autism, complex trauma and mental health issues for 4 months. She has made such a difference already to my daughter’s life in ways such as being able to sit her GCSEs examinations this year which is incredibly important to her. This wouldn’t have even been imaginable 6 months ago and she wouldn’t have achieved this without Lou’s valuable input. She is now considering attending College, again with Lou’s input it’ll help prepare us and the College to ensure it’s a success. “
Parent
"Lou is professional and very personable, my daughter isn’t keen on people in general but has said ‘I like Lou!’ which is a credit to Lou as building a trusting relationship is important for my daughters recovery."
Parent
”Because of the way Lou works, her anxiety has reduced and she is beginning to self advocate, make decisions and self regulate and not use self harm as a form of coping which is a real breakthrough. Many years we have been going round in circles where nothing at all was working and it was an incredibly tough time. Lou has introduced several aids for my daughter to use and they work very well too. “
Parent
”Rosie has been my daughter’s OT for six years. She played a key role in identifying her Dyspraxia and Sensory processing issues at six years old. Since then she has completed therapy sessions for her at school working with teachers and my child, in clinic settings and at home or via Zoom on a weekly basis during Lockdown. She was the first private OT allowed to do in school lessons and sessions at my child’s primary school."
Parent
”She has played a key role in pioneering the treatment of young girls diagnosed with Dyspraxia and their ‘in school’ private OT treatment in Cornwall. She is the only I have found who does school visits and she continues to see my child now she has started secondary school.”
Parent
]”Lou has also helped me to understand her challenges and the reports Lou shares after every session are very informative and helpful. “
Parent
”I would highly recommend Lou without any hesitation, I just wish we had found Lou sooner before my daughters mental health began to decline. “
Parent
Rosie is a very knowledgeable and child centred practitioner, especially in areas of sensory processing dysfunction, which is a key feature of our daughter’s difficulties. She is very natural around young children, using her quiet, gentle presence to gain trust and cooperation, adapting activities and employing humour, distraction and play to quickly put children at ease. “
Parent
”All our communication with Rosie was professional and discreet and it felt so reassuring to have her support. Her clear explanations of the research around sensory processing has not only helped us to understand our child better, but her accurate and thorough reports meant our daughter secured a place in the best possible specialist provision to suit her needs. I honestly cannot recommend a more qualified and caring occupational therapist for your child.”
Parent
”Rosie has played a key role in all IPM (individual pupil management) meetings to ensure the child’s SEN needs and views are met and heard in primary school providing essential, non partisan feedback and comments. She is an expert in the EHCP process and is my daughter’s private OT expert for her plan. This includes writing essential reports, completing and helping fill in the application forms, attending meetings with teachers, and county representatives. Without Rosie, her excellent advice, measured approach and precise and decision report writing the plan would not have been as far reaching and focussed as it is.”
Parent
”Rosie’s expertise is to assist my child not just with her physical OT needs but her cognitive and emotional OT needs and this is a rarity in Cornwall. She has been an absolute rock and the fact she has seen my child weekly, fortnightly or every three weeks over the past six years and ensured her progress and development with special educational needs (SEN) is a blessing to me. I cannot recommend her skill base enough. She is an expert’s expert in the field of multi-disciplined OT for SEN children.”
Parent

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