What is an OT functional capacity assessment?

A functional capacity assessment (FCA) differs from a diagnostic assessment. While a psychologist or paediatrician diagnoses conditions (autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy), an occupational therapist uses an FCA to answer: "What can my child do independently right now, and where do they need support?" This is crucial for NDIS planning because the scheme funds supports based on functional need, not diagnosis alone.

What happens during an FCA: Your OT will observe and test your child across key areas: self-care (dressing, toileting, eating), fine motor skills (writing, fastening buttons), gross motor skills (walking, climbing stairs), social participation, and school or work readiness. They'll use standardised tools (such as the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure or similar) and ask you detailed questions about what your child manages at home versus at school.

Why it matters for NDIS: When your NDIS plan is reviewed (typically annually), the NDIA uses functional assessments to understand whether current supports are working and what new goals to fund. An FCA provides objective evidence that strengthens your planning meeting conversation and helps justify funding for therapy, equipment, or environmental modifications.

Cost and access: If your child has an active NDIS plan, therapy costs may be covered as a support. If not, ask your GP for a referral to access Medicare rebates (typically $50–$100 out-of-pocket after the Medicare rebate). Private assessments cost $300–$600 depending on your state and the therapist's experience.

Next steps: Speak to your child's GP, paediatrician, or current OT about whether an FCA would help your situation. If you're preparing for an NDIS plan review, request the assessment 4–6 weeks beforehand so results are ready for your planning meeting. Make sure your OT understands your NDIS goals so the assessment directly supports your plan.