Laura Dunger
- ldunger at bournemouth dot ac dot uk
- Lecturer in Occupational Therapy
Biography
I am an Occupational Therapy Lecturer at Bournemouth University alongside maintaining an independent clinical practice. My clinical experience spans children, adolescents, and young people, with particular expertise in mental health, neurodevelopmental services, and forensic settings. I have worked across statutory, private, and education services, providing assessment and intervention within a range of multidisciplinary contexts.
I hold a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy and an MSc in Advanced Occupational Therapy. As a neurodivergent practitioner, my lived experience informs my research and teaching. My research interests include neurodiversity-affirming practice, developmental trauma, and the interaction between psychological and physical health across the lifespan.
I am passionate about co-production and the meaningful involvement of people with lived experience in education, research, and clinical practice. I am committed to creating inclusive, accessible learning environments and promoting evidence-informed, person-centred occupational therapy practice.
Research
Dunger, L., & Martin, R. 2021. Exploring occupational therapy practitioner perceptions of occupations by children and young people who have experienced developmental trauma? [unpublished research project]. University of Salford
Davison, H., Dunger, W., Dunger, L. & Bennetts, A. (unpublished manuscript). Perceptions of Preparedness for Working with Autistic Adults Post Clinical Psychology Training: A Grounded Theory Approach.
Performances
- Dunger, L., Lee-Nelson, J.. Get up and go. The use of sensory-based approaches in a circuit-based group within Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Oral Presentation. Royal College of Occupational Therapists Conference. 2017.
- Dunger, L.. Use of Activity Participation Outcome Measure (APOM) within Forensic Learning Disability Service. Oral Presentation. dT Model of Creative Ability Conference. 2017.
- Dunger, L.. How can I help you?” Development of a vocational pathway in forensic inpatient CAMHS. Oral Presentation. College of Occupational Therapy Conference. 2016.
Posters
- Dunger, L., Best, K., 2020. Does utilising a bio-psychosocial environment benefit young people who experience persistent pain? In: Physiotherapy UK.
- Dunger, L., 2017. Bridging the gap between inpatient and community Forensic Learning Disability services? In: Royal College of Occupational Therapists Conference.
Others
- Dunger, L., 2021. Supporting staff wellbeing in an acute trust during COVID-19.. OT News. Published.
Grants
- Providing occupational therapy assessment to children not in school due to medical reasons. Working alongside Southampton Hospital School outreach service. (Royal College of Occupational Therapists, 01 Mar 2023). Completed
Honours
- Nomination for University Hospital Southampton – Working together most collaborative team. (University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, 2022)
- Southampton Children’s Hospital Team of the Month (University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, 2019)
- Star Award Nomination – Innovation. For OT Team for extending service from 8-5 to 8-9 pm. Contributing to reduction in PRN medication and restraint in evening by providing meaningful occupation through a group intervention (Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, 2014)
Memberships
- RCOT Specialist Section Children, Young People and Families, Chair (2021-2023),
- Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Member (2010-),
Networks
- Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) / Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) UKRCOT Occupational Therapist Representative Steering Group. 2022 - Present