Paediatric OT assessments · Lane Cove
Occupational Therapy Assessments
A clear picture of your child’s strengths and needs and a confident next step.
- Members of Occupational Therapy Australia
Here to help
You have noticed something, maybe handwriting that is a daily battle, big emotions that are hard to settle, or skills that seem to be taking longer than expected, and you would like to understand it better. An occupational therapy assessment at OT Kids Academy helps make sense of how your child is going, with a clear picture of their strengths and the areas where they may benefit from support.
What it is
What Is an Occupational
Therapy Assessment?
An assessment is a thorough look at how your child manages the everyday activities that matter to them from play and self-care to movement, learning and managing emotions. Rather than focusing on what is wrong, it builds a rounded understanding of your child as a whole person.
Our paediatric occupational therapists use a combination of standardised testing, observation during play, and conversation with you. Because you know your child best, your insights are an essential part of the picture. The result is a clear understanding that can guide next steps whether that is therapy, strategies for home and school, or simply peace of mind.
How it works
How the Assessment Process Works
We keep things clear and supportive from your very first contact. Here is what to expect.
Get in Touch or Book Online
Call our friendly team to talk through your concerns, or book online at a time that suits you. There is no pressure just a conversation about what you are noticing.
Schedule and Prepare
Once confirmed, we send a Parent Questionnaire to complete beforehand. If your child has had previous testing, we review it so we build on what is already known.
Complete the Assessment
The assessment runs for about two hours in our Lane Cove clinic, blending standardised testing, observation during play and discussion. You are welcome to stay throughout.
Receive Your Findings and Plan
We share findings in the way that suits you. A written report, if requested, follows within two weeks then we set goals together and shape a plan around your child.
What you receive
Clarity, and a Way
Forward
An assessment is about giving you a clearer understanding of your child and practical next steps. Depending on your needs, you can expect:
A clear understanding
A rounded picture of your child's strengths and the areas where support may help.
A written report
On request, completed and sent within two weeks in plain language you can use.
Goals shaped with you
Meaningful, practical goals set together with your therapist and your family.
A tailored plan
Recommendations and next steps designed around your child and your priorities.
Assessments & reports
Assessments and Reports We
Offer
Every child is different, so we offer a range of assessments depending on what
you and your child's support team are hoping to understand.
NDIS Assessments & Reports
Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)
Looks at daily living and functional abilities.
Assistive Technology (AT) Assessment
Considers whether assistive devices could support your child's independence.
NDIS Review & Application Reports
Provide clear evidence of your child's progress, current support needs and OT recommendations
Educational & Exam Support
Specialist Provisions Assessment
Supports applications for HSC exam accommodations.
Handwriting Assessment
Evaluates handwriting and recommends practical strategies.
School & Environmental Assessment
Tailored approaches to support learning and participation at school.
Early Intervention & Development
Early Intervention Assessment
Identifies developmental delays in young children and suggests strategies.
Sensory, Motor & Emotional Regulation
Explores how sensory input, movement and emotions affect daily activities.
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Looks at motor coordination and provides supportive strategies.
Feeding Assessment
Looks at mealtime difficulties, oral motor skills and the sensory side of eating, and suggests practical strategies to support mealtimes.
Not sure which assessment fits? Funding pathways such as NDIS can have their own requirements. Get in touch and our team will help you work out what suits your situation.
Why it helps
How an Assessment Can Help
Families come to us for many reasons. Whatever yours, the goal is the same: a
clearer understanding of your child, and a confident sense of what comes next.
Understand your child
Make sense of what you have been noticing, and why.
Support school
Share helpful information and strategies with teachers and schools.
Access funding
Provide documentation that may be needed for applications.
Plan therapy
Create a clear, tailored starting point if ongoing support is helpful.
Why families choose us
Why Choose OT Kids
Academy
Experienced paediatric specialists
Our team focuses on children and teens, and is a member of Occupational Therapy Australia.
A calm, child-friendly setting
Assessments take place in our purpose-built Lane Cove clinic, designed to put children at ease.
A neuroaffirming approach
We focus on your child's strengths and who they are, not on labels.
Clear, useful reports
Written in plain language you can actually use at home and at school.
You are involved throughout
Your insights shape the assessment and the plan that follows.
Ready when you are
Ready to Understand Your Child's Needs?
If you have been wondering whether an assessment might help, we are here to make the first step feel simple. Get in touch o talk it through, or book an assessment online at a time that suits your family.
Book an assessment
Send an enquiry and we will help you find a time that suits your family.
Call us: (02) 8040 0876
Talk it through with our friendly team on (02) 8040 0876.
Explore our services
See the full range of paediatric OT support we offer.
Assessment Questions
Common questions about how assessments work, reports and getting started. Can't find yours? Our friendly team is happy to talk it through.
What happens during an occupational therapy assessment?
An assessment usually takes place in our Lane Cove clinic and runs for about two hours. It combines standardised testing, observation during play, and a discussion with you about your child's everyday routines. We focus on creating a calm, safe and fun environment so your child feels comfortable. You are welcome to stay throughout, and your observations form an important part of the overall picture.
How long does an occupational therapy assessment take?
The assessment session itself usually takes around two hours. Beyond that, we send a Parent Questionnaire to complete beforehand, and if you request a written report, it is completed and sent to you within two weeks. We will always let you know what to expect at each stage so there are no surprises along the way.
Will I receive a written report?
Yes, a written report is available on request. We complete and send it within two weeks of the assessment. The report is written in clear, plain language so you can use it at home, share it with your child's school, or include it where documentation is needed. If you prefer, we can also share our findings verbally straight after the assessment or in a follow-up conversation.
Does my child need a diagnosis before an assessment?
No. Your child does not need a diagnosis to have an occupational therapy assessment. In fact, many families come to us precisely because they want to understand what they have been noticing. An assessment helps build a clear picture of your child's strengths and needs, whether or not a diagnosis is already in place.
Do I need a referral to book an assessment?
You are welcome to contact us directly to book an assessment, and you do not need a referral to begin. Some funding pathways may have their own requirements, so it is worth checking what applies to your situation. Our administration team is happy to talk you through the process and answer any questions before you book.
What types of assessments do you offer?
We offer a range of assessments depending on what you would like to understand. These include NDIS-related assessments such as Functional Capacity and Assistive Technology assessments, educational and exam support assessments including Specialist Provisions and Handwriting assessments, and early intervention and developmental assessments covering areas like sensory processing, motor skills, emotional regulation and coordination. We can help you work out which one suits your needs.
Can the assessment be used to support a school application?
Yes. Many families use an occupational therapy assessment to support their child at school, whether that is sharing strategies with teachers, informing classroom adjustments, or applying for exam provisions such as HSC accommodations. Our reports are written to be practical and clear, so the information can be used by you and your child's school.
How do I book an occupational therapy assessment?
Booking is easy. You can call our friendly administration team to discuss your concerns and schedule a time, or use our secure online booking system to choose an appointment that suits you. If you are unsure whether an assessment is the right step, you are welcome to get in touch first and we will happily talk it through.
What happens after the assessment?
After the assessment, we share our findings with you in the way you prefer, and if ongoing support would be helpful, your occupational therapist will work with you to set goals and shape a plan tailored to your child. Any next steps are always discussed with you, and there is no obligation to commit to ongoing therapy.