Occupational Therapy Assessments

For us to effectively support your child, first we need to understand more about who they are and what is going on for them. We can gather this information through either ‘informal’ or ‘formal’ assessments, depending on what best suits your child’s particular goals and needs.

As a first step, we encourage you to call the clinic on 0402 455 046  to tell us more about your child. The next step is to book in an ‘initial appointment’ with you and your child. This appointment usually involves an informal assessment in the form of a semi-structured interview, where you are encouraged to share in depth about your child’s strengths and challenges in daily life. At the same time, your child enjoys the opportunity to explore the therapy room, get to know their therapist and share about themselves - if they wish.

Following the initial appointment, we will then decide together whether a formal assessment is appropriate for your child at this time and if so, what kind of assessment your child might benefit from. 

Not all children require a formal assessment, and assessments differ for each child, so it is something that is decided and agreed upon together between the caregivers and therapist.

 

The Assessment

Typically, assessments can take between 1-3 hours in total and may involve:

  • Detailed Parent/Caregiver Interview

  • Completion of Sensory Processing Questionnaire

  • Full Assessment of Gross and Fine Motor Coordination

  • Handwriting & Typing Skills Assessment

  • Assessment of Functional Life Skills such as play, dressing and toileting

  • Social Interaction Skills Assessment

  • Observational visits at Kindergarten, childcare or school


The cost for the assessment will vary depending on the specific assessment required, as some assessments can take several hours to administer and score. This can be discussed with your child's Occupational Therapist prior to the appointment.

If your child has already seen an Occupational Therapist within the last year a new assessment will not be required.

 
 

Funding

Depending on your circumstances, funding may be available to cover the assessment.

A GP referral is not essential. However if you intend to use any the financial assistance plans described on our Funding Options page you will need to arrange this prior to your first appointment. 

The assessment cost includes a full written report and liaison with other health professionals and teachers.

Payment needs to be made on the day either cash, card or direct deposit. A receipt will be issued on the day.

Diagnosis

Occupational Therapists can provide extensive support and strategies for a range of diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, if you are interested in exploring a diagnosis, we are only able to provide supporting evidence and are not able to provide a formal diagnosis, so please contact your Psychologist and/or Paediatrician to discuss.

Formal Occupational Therapy assessments are often required for a diagnosis of Motor Dyspraxia (otherwise known as Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD)) or Dysgraphia. Following assessment, the diagnosis will still need to be formally confirmed by a Paediatrician in order to qualify for funding or special accommodations.