A Banbury mum is fighting for therapy help for son whose sensory issues are limiting normal daily life.

Megan (whose full name is being withheld) has failed to access Occupational Therapy (OT) for her five-year-old son because of a ‘gap’ in services for children with his problems.

"I’ve started a petition and am trying to raise awareness for an issue that affects my son and many children just like him in Oxfordshire,” she said.

"I decided to do this after being told my son can’t access NHS OT for sensory needs in Oxfordshire. He was rejected several times before they said there is a gap for children like him in their services.

Children with sensory issues are suffering from a gap in therapy provision in Oxfordshire, says a Banbury mum. Library picture by Getty

placeholder image — Children with sensory issues are suffering from a gap in therapy provision in Oxfordshire, says a Banbury mum. Library picture by Getty

“His sensory difficulties affect his ability to cope in school and daily life - and without OT support, children like him are missing education and struggling massively. Other areas provide this support — ours doesn’t.”

Megan has been trying to bring the subject to the attention of those with influence, so children like her son, aged five, can live better lives.

“His sensory issues affect every part of our daily life. Things most people wouldn’t think twice about - getting dressed, noises levels, busy areas - can be completely overwhelming for him. He’s especially sensitive to sound and touch, so school environments are incredibly hard for him to cope with.

“He attends mainstream school in Banbury and we are fighting to get his needs met there. It’s a struggle many parents can relate to nationwide,” she said.

A Banbury family is battling to get occupational therapy to help their son, who suffers sensory problems. Library picture by Getty

“He is often late for school due to being unable to tolerate his clothing, particularly shoes and socks. Some days he simply cannot go because he is so distressed.

“When he becomes sensory overloaded, he goes into fight-or-flight - running away, dropping to the floor, shouting or lashing out - not because he’s naughty but because he’s in distress and his body is in panic mode.

“Simple routines like getting dressed or leaving the house can take a huge amount of time and support. We have to carefully manage environments, transitions and sensory input throughout the day to help him feel safe and regulated.

“Without appropriate OT and sensory support, his ability to access education and everyday experiences is hugely impacted.

“He has two siblings, one older and younger. They are also affected by seeing him so distressed. His older brother is often late to school as we have to wait for him to regulate.”

Megan describes her son as a ‘very sweet boy’. “He loves to run around, kick a football, dance and listen to stories. He currently can't do things like birthday parties which are extremely overwhelming.

“I believe he would benefit greatly from OT – helping him learn how to cope would open a whole new world for him.

“He has been referred twice by a GP and once by my health visitor, only for the OT team to reject him.

“You can go private but you must have an assessment and these are £1000+ – definitely not accessible for many. We had to go private for his autism diagnosis due to the three-year wait.”

Oxford Health NHS Trust said: “Oxford Health does not currently provide sensory assessments and related occupational therapy. This is because the services are not currently funded.