Hathaway Davis

OT

Hello, Iā€™m Hathaway.

I graduated from the University of Essex in 2023, and I have always been passionate about helping others. I originally studied learning disability nursing for a year; however, I decided to switch to Occupational Therapy after a 12-week placement in a respite centre for children with intellectual disabilities. At this placement, I regularly worked alongside therapists, which further ignited my passion and drive to become a paediatric OT. I have also had a range of experiences from working with the National Autistic Society as well as a placement at university in a private paediatric practice whereby I gained experience with play therapy, various assessment tools, and sensory integration. I am particularly interested in Sensory Integration and interprofessional working within schools and delivering child-centred practice that is both holistic and collaborates with the family and children to put both the childā€™s needs and passions at the forefront of my practice. I am also interested in developing my passion for autism and developmental and learning disabilities even further throughout my role.Ā 

In my spare time, I enjoy the theatre, travelling, country walks, baking, and feeding the ducks. A book that has had a big impact upon my life is ā€˜The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Timeā€™ by Mark Haddon, which offers a view of the world through the eyes of Christopher Boone, a teenager with autism. The novel highlights his struggles with sensory experiences and social interactions. It sheds light on the importance of understanding and accommodating a person’s unique needs and the significant drawbacks from a ā€˜one size fits allā€™ approach. It showcases the importance of understanding and advocating for the needs of others, utilising adaptations when needed to provide effective support.Ā