Dr Rob Kirkwood
Rob has over 20 years experience working with young people and families. Following a thoroughly entertaining undergraduate degree in Contemporary Arts in Nottingham, Rob decided to train as an occupational therapist, graduating with a MSc from the University of Brighton in 2002. Rob developed clinical and research skills working in a range of settings with adults, children, young people and families. For the last 13 years, Rob has specialised in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Sensory Integration, working in clinical settings, homes and in schools.
As the crucial role of sensory processing in understanding children’s development and mental health became increasingly apparent, Rob pursued further training in Sensory Integration and Sensory Attachment Intervention to underpin his practice. Having worked in the NHS for 17 years, Rob transitioned to full time independent practice, facilitating training, giving consultation to schools, undertaking neurodevelopmental screening and paediatric OT assessments, as well as working with individual clients and families as an occupational therapist and an accredited Sensory Integration practitioner.
Along the way, Rob gained a Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Brighton in 2013 for participatory action research with cohorts of young people with hearing impairment, exploring their lived experience. Rob has presented his research at conferences both nationally and internationally and has co-edited a textbook exploring diverse roles for occupational therapists published by M&K Publishing. Rob has also been on the editorial team for a follow-up text book.
Rob is a member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT), the Sensory Integration Network UK and Ireland; and registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council).