What happens after the assessment process is completed?
Should you decide to attend Horizons for therapy, you will be matched with a therapist that is most suited to your individual needs. We will offer a weekly appointment time (or time slot), which is convenient for you. The assessment report will contain a recommended timeframe and/or frequency of therapy sessions, which are tailored to suit each individual.
Will the therapist who completes the initial assessment be my therapist?
Not necessarily, but it is possible. This will greatly depend on several factors including availability, the day you attend therapy, etc. Because of specific training, education, etc. we may also suggest a specific therapist. Unless is otherwise recommended, a specific therapist will carry out the entire therapy program. You should also keep in mind that all of our therapists participate in continuing education opportunities locally and abroad.
I live far away from the Horizons facility, what are my options for therapy?
Adult therapy can be carried out online via tele-health using a GDPR compliant platform.
This is also useful for some teenage clients. A blended approach (mix of in-person and online sessions) can also be facilitated.
Can my child attend therapy sessions without an assessment?
In order to ensure our services are tailored to suit clients’ individual needs, it is necessary that clients beginning therapy have had an initial assessment. However, we also understand that you may have already completed a therapy assessment elsewhere. We accept assessments that have been carried out in different clinics and by your local health services, provided there is enough information to plan therapy.
As a general rule we ask that a client have received a therapy assessment in the last year. If your child has not had a recent assessment, we would be happy to schedule you in for an assessment with one of our therapists.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the concept of diversity of human minds. It refers to how humans process emotions, sensations, information and cognition, as well as how we understand or perceive the world.
Neurotypicals make up the majority of the population, hence the suffix “typical”. They process information, sensations, emotions and perceive the world in ways considered to be typical.
Neurodivergent means that a person processes information, sensation, emotions and cognition in ways that “diverge” from what is considered typical, hence the suffix “divergent”. Some information says that 10-20% of us are neurodivergent while other information indicates 1 in 7, or 1in 8 and some information says this percentage is even higher.
We do not see neurodivergences as “disordered” or as “conditions” but rather as a different way of experiencing the world.
Neurodivergent is an umbrella term for neurotypes such as Dyspraxia, Autism, ADHD, Giftedness, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, OCD, Tourette’s, Down Syndrome and many more….
What does neuro-affirmative mean?
Neuro-affirming practice is…
- Recognising and respecting that all different types of minds are valuable, important, and worthy of respect
- Centering Neurodivergent voice and Neurodivergent-led
- Understanding that Neurodivergents have a different way of being, thinking, experiencing
- Understanding that divergence is a natural, normal and needed part of human diversity.
- Should always be a work in progress. We are always learning and staying up woy date with current information
- We remain open to correction
- We recognize the strengths, culture and identity of different neurotypes
- We acknowledge support needs
- We aim to meet those needs by adapting the environment, task/activity, communication and demands when needed as well as supporting accommodations across the different environments people exist in
- We do not change a person's way of being or seek compliance or conformity.
Will my report be accepted by the HSE, Department of Education or other government bodies?
Yes, your child’s report will be accepted by the HSE, Department of Education, and any other service provider. All of our assessments and reports are in line with best practice procedures and adhere to the requirements of HSE and other services.
Do you provide recommendations for schools?
Yes, detailed recommendations for school, college and education are included as part of the completed assessment report.
Do you provide workplace recommendations?
Yes, for adult clients this will be included as part of the assessment report.
Do you help with completing DCA applications?
Our report should be submitted as part of your DCA application. Your GP is required to complete a section of the DCA application form.
What do I do if I think I or my child needs an assessment?
Call us on 042 935 1777 or email us at info@horizonstherapy.ie. We are always happy to chat with you and see if our service is for you.
I think my child might be autistic – what do I do?
Call us on 0429351777 or email us atinfo@horizonstherapy.ie. We are always happy to chat with you and see if our service is for you.
We offer Multi-disciplinary Team assessments to identify if a child is Autistic.
This involves 3 disciplines (A Clinical Psychologist, a Speech and Language therapist and an Occupational Therapist), and usually involves 2 visits to the clinic.
You are provided with a detailed outline of the process beforehand so you know what to expect.
I think my child might be Dyspraxic – what do I do?
Call us on 042 935 1777 or email us at info@horizonstherapy.ie. We are always happy to chat with you and see if our service is for you.
We offer occupational therapy assessments that can identify if a person is Dyspraxic.
I think my child might have ADHD - what do I do?
While we do work with ADHD clients, we do not assess for this.
I think my child might have sensory processing differences – what do I do?
Call us on 042 935 1777 or email us atinfo@horizonstherapy.ie. We are always happy to chat with you and see if our service is for you.
We offer occupational therapy assessments to explore sensory processing.
Will there be recommendations to support my child in the assessment report?
Yes, there will be detailed recommendations for lifestyle and support at home that are tailored to your child’s needs and experiences
This may include recommendation for follow-up therapy sessions if this is needed.
Will there be recommendations for how I can support myself and manage my lifestyle in the assessment report?
Yes, there will be detailed recommendations for lifestyle management that are tailored to your unique needs and experiences.
This may include recommendation for follow-up therapy sessions if this is needed
I don’t know if my child needs an assessment or therapy – what do I do?
Call us on 042 935 1777 or email us at info@horizonstherapy.ie. We are always happy to chat with you and see if our service is for you.
How do I book an assessment?info@horizonstherapy.ie
You can book via phone on 042 935 1777 or by email info@horizonstherapy.ie.
The booking process usually takes about 20 minutes by phone.
This is to ensure that we are the right service for you or your child, and so that can plan the right assessment process.
I am concerned that my child is not developing as expected – what do I do?
Call us on 042 935 1777 or email us at info@horizonstherapy.ie. We are always happy to chat with you and see if our service is for you.
I have concerns about my child and I don’t know what to do.
Call us on 042 935 1777 or email us at info@horizonstherapy.ie. We are always happy to chat with you and see if our service is for you.
How do I make a referral? Do I need a referral from a GP, consultant or school?
No we take referrals from the parent, legal guardian or, in the case of adults, the individual themselves.
Call us on 042 935 1777 or email us at info@horizonstherapy.ie.
What is your cancellation policy?
Occupational Therapy appointments
As there is a very significant demand for therapy appointments, we have to manage our schedule carefully. We endeavour to see clients in our service in a timely manner. One of the ways we do this is to reduce the number of unused appointments.
As you will be given a protected time slot for your therapy appointments each week, it means your therapist cannot offer this appointment to anyone else.
In order to ensure best outcomes, we encourage attendance to every appointment. If however a cancellation cannot be avoided we do have to apply a cancellation charge of €60. If the therapy appointment can be re-scheduled within the same week there is no charge. Please ensure you cancel by phone or email.
Occupational Therapy assessments
If you cannot attend the assessment appointment for any reason the cancellation fee is €100. This is the amount of the deposit paid on booking your assessment.
MDT assessments
If you cannot attend the assessment appointment for any reason the cancellation fee is €200 in total (€100 for each of the scheduled appointments to be cancelled).This is the amount of the deposit paid on booking your assessment.
Will I be informed of the clinic policy beforehand?
Once we have scheduled appointments, you will receive a copy of the clinic policy by email for your own information.
This will include information regarding the therapy process as well as the protocol for cancelling or rescheduling an appointment.
What method of payment is accepted?
We accept cash, all major credit and debit cards. In addition we also accept direct deposit into the bank account.
Can I reclaim what I pay in therapy from my health insurance?
Check with your health insurer regarding your policy. Some policies enable you to claim back a percentage of the money spent on therapy sessions. Some of our clients have also availed of funds.
Can I reclaim some of my money through tax?
You can claim 20% of your therapy expenses back via submission of the Med 1 Form to Revenue