Donna McGuckin
Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist
Donna is an advanced practitioner Paediatric Occupational Therapist with 22 years of experience working as an OT. Donna completed her studies at the University of Ulster, qualifying in 2002 with an honours degree in Occupational Therapy. Since then, she has an unbroken employment history working for the NHS in various settings, including adult services and as a specialist wheelchair therapist. Donna has been working exclusively in paediatrics since 2008, working in special schools, mainstream schools, and community and clinic settings.
Her NHS role includes supporting children with a wide range of physical/developmental/medical problems and helping them to function within their homes, schools and communities. Donna believes that supporting the adults who support the child is fundamental to achieving optimum outcomes for children and, therefore, strives to develop close working relationships with the support network around the child.
Donna is a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and professional governing body HPCP. Her professional interests include play, trauma-informed practice and sensory processing.
Donna is from Magherafelt and is married with four children; she looks at child development in a multi-faceted approach, leaning on her experience as both a professional and as a mother to gain a holistic view of both the needs of the child and the family. Her choice of career stemmed from her experiences as a teenager experiencing physical disability within the family and the resulting aspiration to bring about inclusive change.
At the Mid Ulster Clinic, we are committed to providing neuroaffirming, child-centred, play-based, evidence-based, quality Paediatric Occupational Therapy services for all children who need it. Our passion for play is evident in all that we do, and we promise to support, empower, and encourage your child and your family in making meaningful changes to all aspects of their everyday life as you see fit.
What is Occupational Therapy, and why might your child need it?
As Paediatric Occupational Therapists, we support and empower children to participate and engage in the everyday activities of their lives at their own pace. We do this by thinking about them, the activity they want or need to do and the environment. Your child may need support from a Paediatric OT if:
- They are experiencing some challenges in their play skills, sensory skills, fine or gross motor skills
- They need support with organisation or self-care skills (eating, dressing, using the toilet, etc.)
- They need extra support in school (handwriting, transitions, regulations, etc.)
- They have a specific diagnosis, such as Autism, DCD, ADHD, or Developmental Delay
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
ADOS Certified
Donna McGuckin
Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist
Donna is an advanced practitioner Paediatric Occupational Therapist with 22 years of experience working as an OT. Donna completed her studies at the University of Ulster, qualifying in 2002 with an honours degree in Occupational Therapy. Since then, she has an unbroken employment history working for the NHS in various settings, including adult services and as a specialist wheelchair therapist. Donna has been working exclusively in paediatrics since 2008, working in special schools, mainstream schools, and community and clinic settings.
Her NHS role includes supporting children with a wide range of physical/developmental/medical problems and helping them to function within their homes, schools and communities. Donna believes that supporting the adults who support the child is fundamental to achieving optimum outcomes for children and, therefore, strives to develop close working relationships with the support network around the child.
Donna is a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and professional governing body HPCP. Her professional interests include play, trauma-informed practice and sensory processing.
Donna is from Magherafelt and is married with four children; she looks at child development in a multi-faceted approach, leaning on her experience as both a professional and as a mother to gain a holistic view of both the needs of the child and the family. Her choice of career stemmed from her experiences as a teenager experiencing physical disability within the family and the resulting aspiration to bring about inclusive change.
At the Mid Ulster Clinic, we are committed to providing neuroaffirming, child-centred, play-based, evidence-based, quality Paediatric Occupational Therapy services for all children who need it. Our passion for play is evident in all that we do, and we promise to support, empower, and encourage your child and your family in making meaningful changes to all aspects of their everyday life as you see fit.
What is Occupational Therapy, and why might your child need it?
As Paediatric Occupational Therapists, we support and empower children to participate and engage in the everyday activities of their lives at their own pace. We do this by thinking about them, the activity they want or need to do and the environment. Your child may need support from a Paediatric OT if:
- They are experiencing some challenges in their play skills, sensory skills, fine or gross motor skills
- They need support with organisation or self-care skills (eating, dressing, using the toilet, etc.)
- They need extra support in school (handwriting, transitions, regulations, etc.)
- They have a specific diagnosis, such as Autism, DCD, ADHD, or Developmental Delay
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
ADOS Certified