POTTS / OT Services

About POTTS

What is POTTS?

POTTS stands for Partnering in Occupational Therapy Telehealth Services.

POTTS provide Occupational Therapy (OT) specific services to families and individuals with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)/Dyspraxia.

POTTS is a hybrid telehealth occupational therapy service which provides both face-to-face and online services using both occupational therapy students and qualified occupational therapists.

Who is POTTS for (Who should apply)?

In order to access the service, all of the following criteria must be met.

• Children with Dyspraxia/DCD or awaiting assessment for Dyspraxia/DCD
• Children between the ages of 8-13 (Aim to expand range in future)
• Children who are on public HSE occupational therapy waiting lists
• In order to participate in the programme it is a requirement for children to already be on a HSE occupational therapy waiting list.
• Evidence of this in the form of a letter confirming their place on a HSE waiting list is required
• Children with goals/areas of development that can be met by occupational therapy. ie, Functional goals
• The key goals targeted by the child and family can be met by this OT specific service and would not be more appropriately met or do not require intervention from or by a specialist multidisciplinary team.

Who does POTTS work really for?

Children this service works really well with are those who:

• Feel comfortable using video calls to interact with therapists and be willing to take part in fun, engaging online activities during sessions.
• Are competent in using a computer independently and can follow instructions given over a video call without needing direct, hands-on support from a therapist or parents.
• Bring energy and positivity to sessions (which may last up to 40 minutes), embrace new experiences and enjoy exploring new activities and topics with the therapist.
• Have goals that can be best met with online therapy.
• Examples of things that we have worked on before are baking, organising your school bag, shoelace tying, using cutlery, etc.

How do I apply for POTTS services?

Families can apply to the POTTS programme by completing the application form found HERE and submitting it online. Please ensure that the correct email address is used and that if referring multiple children, the correct names and dates of birth are used.

Please note:

A current letter or email confirming your position on a HSE occupational therapy waiting list is required from your local team for any family self-referring.

No letter or email is required for families who have been directly referred by their HSE occupational therapy team. 

Who else can refer my child for the service?

We also accept applications/referrals from professionals outside of the family, though consent is required from the family prior to referral. These professions include GPs, teachers and occupational therapists among others.

What should I send in advance of the service?

Necessary:

• Consent and cancellation forms
• HSE occupational therapy waitlist confirmation letter

If Available:

• Previous assessment or clinical reports (where relevant)
• Occupational Therapy
• Other professions such as Speech and Language, Psychology, AON etc.
• A sample of handwriting
• School report/IEP
• Teacher questionnaire

Please send these documents securely to pottsdocs@dyspraxia.ie

Further information/queries

If you would like further information in relation to the POTTS Service please see the initial service information here.

For further information in relation to Dyspraxia Ireland and the POTTS programme, please have a look at some of our webinars on our YouTube Channel.

Or if you have a particular question, please use the contact form on our website or contact us at potts@dyspraxia.ie

Referral Page Link

Access to Resources Link

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