Welcome to Future Steps

Dedicated to making a difference for children and families by offering personalised occupational therapy that helps unlock their potential to create brighter tomorrows.

Our expert team supports challenges such as Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Autism, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), Trauma, and Mental Health through specialist interventions.

We are
POSITIVE

when we talk and when we think about our colleagues and clients. We face adversity with positivity and look for the positive in every situation.

We are
PASSIONATE

about changing the lives of
children and young people, and
their families through dynamic occupational therapy expertise.

We are
PROGRESSIVE

in the way that we think, the
way that we work, and the way
we approach challenge.

We are
PIONEERS

because we think differently, innovate, and strive to change the world of children’s services for a more inclusive future.

EMPOWERING BRIGHTER TOMORROWS

So that children everywhere see past the label and realise their full potential.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) helps children develop the skills they need to participate in everyday activities, from playing and learning to building relationships and independence.

At Future Steps, we use a bottom-up approach, focusing on the foundational sensory and motor systems that support higher-level skills like attention, emotional regulation, and problem-solving.

Our therapists specialise in Sensory Integration Therapy, a technique that helps children process and respond to sensory input in a more organised and effective way. This method addresses how the brain interprets and integrates information from the senses - touch, movement, sight, sound, and body awareness - to improve motor skills, balance, and emotional well-being.

By working from the ground up,

we build strong sensory-motor foundations, empowering children to meet their milestones, gain confidence, and excel in their daily lives.

Together
we focus on 

01 Handwriting

02 Fine Motor Skills such as using cutlery and scissors and tying shoelaces

03 Behaviour and emotional control

04 Academic progression and learning

05 Attention and concentration

06 Balance and coordination

07 Anxiety and self-esteem

08 Sleep

09 Social skills and understanding friendships

10 Dressing, toileting and other activities of daily living

Meet Julie our Founder

Julie Davis is an Advanced SI Practitioner and Attachment and Trauma Specialist

with a MSc in Attachment and Trauma and over 35-years’ experience working with children who experience Sensory Processing Difficulties.

Julie holds extensive qualifications and has trained across the globe in Sensory Integration and Trauma-Informed treatment, including Level 4 Advanced Sensory Integration, Video Interactive Guidance, Sensory Attachment Intervention, Somatic Experiencing Therapy, Neuro-Affective Touch, Dyadic Developmental Psychology, Theraplay, Children’s Accelerated Trauma Technique, Sensory Babies and Newborn Behavioural Observations.

Changing the lives of children and families

through individualised occupational therapy pathways, empowering them to create brighter tomorrows. 

how we can help you

  • Clinic Assessments

    Occupational Therapy assessments help identify a person’s sensory and motor challenges, how these affect daily life, and are key to devising treatment plans to support their development.

    Find out more here

  • Clinic Treatments

    Whether your child needs support with sensory issues or specialist trauma-informed support Future Steps offers holistic, fun, and engaging sessions focused on developing motor and sensory skills. Programmes are tailored to each child’s unique needs and goals, which are set in collaboration with parents and educators. Sessions vary widely—supporting every day life from social, academic, emotional and physical needs.

    Find out more here

  • Home and School Programmes

    To accompany our 1:1  therapy - our home and school programmes are customised to each child’s needs, using everyday items and practical activities to support development. Designed to fit seamlessly into home and school settings, they come with clear instructions, photos, and a thorough handover to ensure safe and effective delivery.

    Find out more here

  • Support for Schools

    We help educators create supportive strategies and environments for children with diverse needs, such as ADHD, Autism, and behavioural challenges. Our programmes are designed to fit seamlessly into the school day, supporting student development with minimal disruption and aligning with educational outcomes.

    Find out more here

  • Support for Adults

    We assess, treat and support adults with a range of challenges including anxiety, clients who have experienced neurological trauma and who have received a diagnosis of ADHD or Autism.

    Our Future Families Team also support adults who have experienced trauma by providing specialist trauma-informed care, including Somatic Experience Therapy, Neuro-Affective Touch Therapy and Sensory Integration.

    Find out more here

  • Trauma Informed Support: Future Families

    We provide tailored, trauma-informed support for children who are fostered, adopted, or facing mental health challenges. Our approach helps them build trust, regulate emotions, and develop resilience, while empowering parents and caregivers with strategies to create a stable, supportive environment for healing and growth.

    Find out more here

  • Training for Parents and Professionals

    We have a selection of training courses available to help educators better understand classroom behaviors and the challenges students face, to give them the knowledge and strategies needed to help every pupil succeed.

    Find out more here

  • Albert is thriving thanks to Future Steps.

    His transitions into Nursery became smoother and calmer, and the difference in a short time was significant. As parents, we gained essential skills to regulate, understand, and empathise with Albert, strengthening our bond and transforming our relationship.

    Using the approaches we learned how to support Albert's transition to Primary School, where he now actively makes friends and enjoys imaginative play. He attends dance classes and swimming lessons with confidence, listens to his teachers, and has developed both social and safety skills. We’re incredibly grateful to Future Steps for helping Albert and empowering us as parents.

    - AMY

  • I don’t know where we would be without our weekly sessions with Future Steps.

    I was so worried about the future but I could see the progress my son had made after each session. Our Therapist took the time to explain everything clearly so I understood why we were doing each activity and how I could help at home. Our Therapist never focused on what my son couldn’t do, instead she celebrated what he could do and gave me hope for the future. We can’t wait to start our sessions again – it’s our favourite time of the week!

    - ZARA

  • Excellent service and fantastic staff.

    Scarlett has developed in so many ways and that’s down to the therapist’s understanding her needs. She has been able to achieve and overcome barriers, which has helped her at home and school. She absolutely loves her sessions. Thanks for all your help and support.

    - SARAH

  • Summer is absolutely loving her time and experience at Future Steps.

    As a family we are amazed by her progress so far and are looking forward to what she can accomplish in future therapy sessions. The staff are warm and friendly and explain each activity in detail and what this does to help improve Summer abilities. I would definitely recommend Future Steps to other families.

    - GREG

  • We’ve had an amazing experience at Future Steps.

    They’ve helped my little boy in so many ways. We are so grateful for the help and would recommend them to anyone considering it.

    - SARA

  • The Future Steps Team have been excellent with Anthony.

    He has developed strength, agility and coordination and this has helped with his confidence. Thank you so much for your time and help.

    - ALISON

  • If my Grandson had not come to Future Steps for intensive therapy, I would be in a very dark place, with no hope.

    Future Steps have given Theo and our family a much brighter future.

    - ALISON

How we give back 

The Carolyn McTimoney Occupational Therapy Scholarship for Schools and Aspiring OTs was created in memory of a cherished friend and colleague, Carolyn.

Carloyn helped support Julie in the early days of developing Future Steps.

Carolyn's unwavering belief in children’s potential and her contributions to occupational therapy inspired this initiative, which provides free therapy services to children for a year.

By improving emotional well-being, reducing anxieties, and fostering a supportive learning environment, the scholarship reflects Carolyn's legacy of compassion and impact. Honoring her dream, we hope this award leaves lasting footprints in the lives of children, families, and schools, just as Carolyn did in ours.

Free Download

Why Does My Child React Like This?

Understanding Sensory Triggers and Emotional Outbursts

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your child’s sudden meltdowns or puzzled by their strong reactions to everyday situations, this guide is for you.

Whether it’s loud noises, busy environments, or unexpected changes in routine, understanding what’s behind these emotional outbursts can make all the difference.

Packed with simple, practical tips,

this guide will help you better support your child during challenging moments and give them the tools to feel safe, understood, and calm.

Get in Touch

01642 807669


info@futurestepsot.co.uk

Baysdale Road, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 9DB