Supporting Children with Learning and Developmental Challenges

Watching your child struggle can be incredibly difficult. Whether they're finding it hard to concentrate in class, falling behind with reading and writing, becoming frustrated with schoolwork or lacking confidence, many parents are left feeling helpless and unsure where to turn next.

If you've tried different types of support but still feel you're searching for answers, Open Doors Therapy in Walsall could help.

The practice supports children, typically aged seven and above, who are experiencing a wide range of learning and developmental difficulties, including:

• ADHD and attention difficulties
• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia
• Dyscalculia
• Poor concentration
• Reading and writing difficulties
• Poor handwriting
• Balance and coordination problems
• Behavioural challenges
• Sensory processing difficulties
• Delayed motor development
• Low confidence and self-esteem

Every child is unique, so rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Open Doors Therapy takes the time to understand each child's individual strengths and challenges before recommending the most appropriate programme.

Personalised Therapy Tailored to Your Child

Following a comprehensive assessment, Open Doors Therapy creates a personalised programme of simple, structured exercises designed specifically for your child's individual needs. The exercises are easy to follow at home and are supported by regular review appointments to monitor progress and make adjustments where needed.

Many parents notice improvements in areas such as concentration, coordination, handwriting, confidence and learning, helping children feel happier, more settled and better equipped to reach their full potential both at school and in everyday life.

One of the specialist areas at Open Doors Therapy is identifying whether retained primitive, or "baby", reflexes may be affecting your child's development. These reflexes are a normal part of early infancy and usually disappear during a baby's first year. However, if some remain active, they can sometimes affect skills such as balance, coordination, attention, reading, writing and emotional regulation.

Using carefully designed movement-based exercises, the therapy programme aims to help integrate these retained reflexes, supporting your child's natural development and helping them build stronger foundations for learning and everyday life.

Free Initial Consultation 

Finding the right support for your child is a big decision, which is why Open Doors Therapy offers a free initial consultation. This informal appointment gives parents the opportunity to discuss their concerns, learn more about the therapy and decide whether it is the right approach before committing to a full assessment.

If the therapy is considered suitable, the next step is a comprehensive assessment, lasting approximately two to three hours. During this appointment, your child's development is assessed in detail before a written report is prepared. Parents receive personalised recommendations together with a tailored programme of exercises designed specifically for their child's individual needs.

Experienced Educational Support You Can Trust

Open Doors Therapy was founded by Pete Griffin, an experienced former Head Teacher and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) who has spent many years helping children overcome learning and developmental challenges.

His extensive background in education, combined with specialist training in child development, means he understands not only the difficulties children face but also the concerns and frustrations parents often experience when searching for the right support.

Families value the friendly, patient and reassuring approach taken throughout the process, with every stage explained clearly so parents feel informed, supported and confident that they are making the best possible decision for their child.

Click here to read some of the Case Studies on the Open Doors Therapy website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age children do you work with?

Open Doors Therapy typically works with children aged seven years and above who are experiencing learning, behavioural or developmental difficulties. If you're unsure whether your child is suitable, the team will be happy to discuss your concerns during the free initial consultation.

What conditions can Open Doors Therapy help with?

The team regularly supports children experiencing ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, poor concentration, handwriting difficulties, reading and writing challenges, coordination problems, sensory processing difficulties, behavioural concerns and low confidence.

Do I need a diagnosis before contacting you?

No. Many families contact Open Doors Therapy before their child has received a formal diagnosis. If you have concerns about your child's development, learning or behaviour, the free initial consultation can help determine whether the therapy is likely to be suitable.

What happens during the free initial consultation?

The free initial consultation gives parents the opportunity to discuss their concerns, ask questions about the therapy and understand how the programme works. It's designed to help you decide whether a comprehensive assessment is the right next step for your child.

Open Doors Therapy will only recommend moving forward if they genuinely believe their approach is likely to benefit your child. If they don't feel the therapy is the right fit, they'll tell you honestly rather than encouraging you to proceed unnecessarily.

What happens during the full paid assessment?

The comprehensive assessment usually lasts two to three hours and looks at your child's development in detail. Following the assessment, you'll receive a written report, personalised recommendations and a tailored programme of exercises designed specifically for your child's needs.

What are retained primitive (baby) reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are natural automatic movements that babies are born with and which usually disappear during their first year of life. If some of these reflexes remain active, they may affect areas such as concentration, coordination, balance, reading, handwriting and emotional regulation. Open Doors Therapy assesses whether retained reflexes may be contributing to your child's difficulties.

How often will my child need to attend appointments?

Every programme is tailored to the individual child. After the initial assessment, parents are given personalised exercises to complete at home, alongside regular review appointments to monitor progress and adjust the programme where necessary.

Why choose Open Doors Therapy?

Open Doors Therapy combines many years of educational experience with a caring, family-focused approach. Led by former Head Teacher and SENCO Pete Griffin, the practice provides personalised support, detailed assessments and tailored therapy programmes, helping families better understand their child's needs and giving them practical tools to support their development and confidence.

Contact Open Doors Therapy Walsall

Take the first step by calling Pete on 07504 305038 or email  enquiries@open-doors-therapy.co.uk