Assessments are selected according to the child's needs. The methods will be discussed during the initial contact. They may involve the following:
Telephone consultation with parents or carers
Questionnaires from parents/carers and school staff
Discussion with the child and parents/carers
Observation of the child during different activities
Sensory profiles
Standardised and non-standardised assessments to assess gross motor skills, fine motor skills, visual-motor skills, visual-perceptual skills, handwriting, sensory processing and behaviour
Assessment of self care skills and daily living skills, e.g. dressing, cleaning teeth, shoe laces, handwriting, play and school performance
Observations of the child or young adult in their setting, not in a clinic setting, e.g. school, college, home. This means that an assessment is individual and reflects the person's needs.
After an assessment is completed, a written report is completed and provided, with consent, to relevant professionals. The pack includes:
Occupational therapy report
Recommendations and individual therapy programme
Advice and activity ideas
If appropriate, expert witness report (tribunals and quantum)
Amanda Hunter BSc MRCOT MSc
Occupational Therapist and Advanced Practitioner in Sensory Integration
