What should I bring to my child’s OT assessment?

When you arrive for your child's occupational therapy (OT) assessment, having the right documents will help the therapist work more effectively and give you a thorough evaluation. Here's what to bring:

**Essential documents:** - Any previous OT, speech pathology, psychology, or paediatric assessment reports (from the last 2–3 years) - Your child's NDIS plan summary, if they're an NDIS participant - Recent school or childcare reports, including teacher observations about fine motor skills, coordination, attention, or behaviour - Medical reports or diagnoses from your GP or paediatrician - A list of current concerns—write down specific examples of what your child struggles with (e.g., "can't hold a pencil properly", "avoids messy play", "gets frustrated with buttons")

**Helpful extras:** - Photos or videos of your child attempting tasks that worry you (e.g., eating, dressing, playing) - A list of questions you want answered - Your child's typical daily routine or schedule - Information about any sensory sensitivities you've noticed

**What to expect:** The assessment usually takes 60–90 minutes. The therapist will observe your child, ask you detailed questions about their development and daily activities, and may use standardised tests. They'll then provide recommendations for home or school strategies, and discuss whether ongoing therapy is needed.

**After the assessment:** You'll receive a written report (typically within 2–4 weeks) outlining findings and recommendations. If your child is NDIS-funded, this report can support requests for OT support in your plan. If not, your GP can refer you to Medicare-funded OT through the Better Start for Children with Disability scheme (for children under 7) or other Medicare rebate schemes.

If you're unsure whether your child needs an OT assessment, your GP or paediatrician can advise whether a referral is appropriate.