Susan Allen

Biography
Sue feels privileged to work in a profession that changes lives. She qualified in Occupational Therapy from the Cardiff Welsh School of Occupational Therapy in 1987. She has worked clinically with clients with physical and mental health challenges in acute and community settings in the UK, USA and Singapore. Sue has specialised in supporting children with developmental disabilities (including autistic spectrum disorders) and their families. She has advanced clinical skills in sensory, motor, cognitive, relationship and coaching approaches.
Sue has contributed to undergraduate occupational therapy for 15 years as adjunct faculty and is delighted to now be part of the Wrexham Glyndwr team. Sue led the Sensory Integration Network team that negotiated and developed the Masters in Advancing Practice. At postgraduate level Sue acts as a consultant for online clinical module development and continues to teach and mentor advanced clinical skills.
Published and presented research has included intervention outcomes for children with motor difficulties, pathways of care for children with developmental coordination disorders, incidence and comorbidity of sensory and motor difficulties and factors that impact maternal stress. She is currently undertaking a PhD in Developmental Psychology with University of Reading exploring the impact or sensory integration difficulties on family life and strategies to enhance participation.
Aside from occupational therapy Sue delights in spending time with family and friends, gardening, singing and Yoga (AYT200).
Qualifications
2014 M.Sc. Advancing Practice in Occupational Therapy (University of Ulster)
2013 Sensory Integration Network Horary Fellowship
2005 Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner
1996 Occupational Therapist Registered (Minnesota)
1992 B.Sc. (Hons) Health Studies (Glasgow)
1987 Dip.C.O.T (Cardiff)
Research
Barriers and Facilitators to participation in everyday life for families of children with sensory integration difficulties. Approaches to supporting parents including coaching.
Courses
BSc Occupational Therapy
Publications
Allen S and Casey J (2017) Developmental Coordination Disorders and Sensory Processing and Integration: incidence, associations and comorbidities. British Journal of Occupational Therapy. 80(9), 549-547.
Allen S & Knott F. (2017) How do children’s challenges to function and participation impact Maternal Stress? New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy 63(2),29-37.
Allen S (2016) Can I tell you about sensory processing difficulties? Jessica Kingsley Publisher. London.
Sensory Minis on You tube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWKKMgbIffBKOmdxJYrFTRA
Further details:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Susan_Allen6
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8634-7632