Expert Witness Journal Issue 63 October 2025 - Flipbook - Page 89
the assessment. It is important to understand how
the child or young person has coped, what support
they have had, the needs of the family/carers, and
how this has impacted their education. Assessments
are very individual. Some need additional support
to understand and manage a child/young person,
particularly if their needs are complex.
References
Acuña, C., Gallegos-Berrios, S., Barfoot, J., Meredith,
P., & Hill, J. (2025). Ayres Sensory Integration with
children ages 0 to 12: A systematic review of randomized
controlled trials. American Journal of Occupational
Therapy. Volume 79, no 3.
Jones EK, Hanley M and Riby DM (2020) Research in
Autism Spectrum Disorders. Vol 72.
Challenging an EHC plan is a long process so
emotions can be high. Children and young people
can be dysregulated for a number of reasons, e.g. the
assessment is a new experience, they have struggled
without adequate support. Some are wary, anxious
and reluctant to communicate or engage in the
assessment. It is important to build a rapport with
them, adapt the assessment if needed, and reduce
demands as much as possible.
Sanz-Carvera P et al (2017) Sensory Processing in
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or
Attention De昀椀cit Hyperactivity Disorder in the Home
and Classroom contexts. Frontiers in Psychology. Vol
8.
Watling R, Hauer S (2015) E昀昀ectiveness of Ayres
Sensory Integration and sensory-based interventions
for people with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic
review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy,
69(5), 1–12.
The occupational therapist must explain how the
report informs the EHC plan and tribunal process.
Reports should be impartial, comprehensive and
adhere to the facts, use little jargon, and comply
with practice directions. Therapists must recognise
the limitations of their assessment and when skills
are outside their area of expertise.
Schaaf RC, Dumont RL, Arbesman M, May-Benson
TA (2018) E昀케cacy of occupational therapy using Ayres
Sensory Integration: a systematic review. American
Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(1), 1–10.
Amanda is an independent occupational therapist and an approved practitioner in sensory integration. She has worked with
Amanda is an independent occupational therapist and an approved practitioner in sensory integration. She has worked with
children and young people for more than 26 years. She provides services to local schools and colleges, receives requests for
children and young people for more than 26 years. She provides services to local schools and colleges, receives requests for
independent assessments, and prepares reports for SEN tribunals.
independent assessments, and prepares reports for SEN tribunals.
Amanda trained with Bond Solon and has an expert witness certi昀椀cate from Cardi昀昀 University. She has extensive experience
Amanda trained with Bond Solon and has an expert witness certi昀椀cate from Cardi昀昀 University. She has extensive experience
of issues related to special educational needs and Education, Health and Care Plans, i.e. refusal to issue, description of need,
of issues related to special educational needs and Education, Health and Care Plans, i.e. refusal to issue, description of need,
inadequate support, inappropriate provision or placement.
inadequate support, inappropriate provision or placement.
For further information please contact Amanda Hunter, Occupational Therapist,
For further information please contact Amanda Hunter, Occupational Therapist,
www.smartot.co.uk, Email: amanda@smartot.co.uk Tel: 07590963252
, Email:
Tel:
Experts for Law & Mediation
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Amanda is an independent occupational therapist and an approved practitioner in sensory integration. She has worked with
+44 (0) for
1621
773428
| Email:
office@forensic-healthcare.com
children and youngT:people
more
than
26 years.
She provides services |tooffice.fhc@forensichealthc.cjsm.net
local schools and colleges, receives requests for
www.forensic-healthcare.com
| www.fhcformediation.com
independent assessments, and prepares
reports for SEN tribunals.
Old Moor Office, Tillingham Road, Southminster Essex, CM0 7DT, UK
Amanda trained with Bond Solon and has an expert witness certi昀椀cate from Cardi昀昀 University. She has extensive experience
of issues related to special educational needs and Education, Health and Care Plans, i.e. refusal to issue, description of need,
inadequate support, inappropriate provision or placement.
For further information please contact Amanda Hunter, Occupational Therapist,
, Email:
Tel:
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
87
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2025
