Conditions We Treat

Occupational Therapy Assessments for Children & Young People

A comprehensive assessment exploring how sensory, motor, emotional and organisational needs may affect a child's participation and independence in everyday life.

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30 min consultation

You'll receive a confirmation by email.

When an Occupational Therapy Assessment May Be Considered

Understanding Everyday Challenges

An occupational therapy assessment may be considered when a child experiences difficulties participating in everyday activities at home, at school or within the community. Parents, caregivers or teachers may notice:

  • Difficulty with dressing, eating or personal care
  • Challenges with handwriting or classroom activities
  • Fine or gross motor difficulties
  • Difficulty with balance or coordination
  • Sensitivity to sounds, textures, movement or other sensory input
  • Difficulty managing emotions or remaining regulated
  • Challenges with attention and task completion
  • Difficulty planning or organising activities
  • Becoming overwhelmed by transitions or changes in routine
  • Reduced independence compared with age expectations
  • Avoiding play, movement or practical activities
  • Needing additional support to participate in daily routines

Individual signs do not confirm a particular condition. The assessment considers the child's abilities, environment and everyday needs.

What the Assessment Explores

Looking at Participation Across Daily Life

A boy with painted hands lying on a colourful play mat

Sensory Processing

How the child responds to and manages sensory information.

A boy reaching for a pencil at a table

Motor Development

How the child's fine and gross motor skills support everyday tasks.

A boy playing air hockey

Executive Functioning

How the child plans, organises and completes tasks.

A girl having her face painted

Emotional Regulation

How the child manages emotions and returns to a calm, settled state.

A clinician checking a boy's ear with an otoscope

Daily Living Skills

How the child manages practical, everyday routines and self-care tasks.

The Assessment Process

A Practical and Child- Centred Approach

Initial Consultation

The occupational therapist meets with the family to discuss current concerns, developmental history and everyday routines.

A grandfather helping children build a gingerbread house
A girl climbing on playground equipment outdoors

Information Gathering

With appropriate consent, information may be gathered from parents, caregivers, teachers and other professionals involved with the child.

Clinical Assessment

The child participates in observations and practical tasks, using standardized occupational therapy tools if needed.

A child wearing sunglasses with arms raised outdoors
A man guiding a girl through an outdoor obstacle activity

Functional Review

The therapist considers how the child's skills, needs and environment affect participation across home, school and community settings.

Feedback and Recommendations

The findings are explained to the family, alongside practical recommendations and appropriate next steps.

A girl crouching to draw with chalk on a path outdoors

The process may vary according to the child's age, communication needs and individual presentation.

A woman helping a young girl with a colouring activity

Currently Reading

Occupational Therapy

Leading the sensory processing assessment.

The Team

The Clinical Team

The specialists involved will depend on the child's individual presentation. Choose a discipline to see its role.

Where specific needs may also affect everyday functioning, input from psychology, speech and language therapy, psychiatry or other professionals may be considered, focusing on:

  • Communication skills
  • Emotional and behavioural patterns
  • Developmental progress
  • Mental health needs

Following the Assessment

Practical Recommendations for Everyday Participation

What we saw, in plain language

Following the assessment, the family will receive an explanation of the findings and recommendations. Where appropriate, this may include a written report.

Written for families first, professionals second.

A girl playing with craft materials at a table

Our Philosophy

Preparing for the Assessment

The team will explain what information is required and how to prepare the child before the assessment begins.

01

Gather what you have

Families may be asked to provide relevant developmental, medical and educational information before the appointment.

02

Share existing records

Please provide any previous reports to help the team understand your child's background and history.

03

Detail difficult activities

Note down specific details of any daily activities, routines, or tasks that the child currently finds difficult.

04

Arrive as you are

There is nothing to rehearse. We will guide you on how to talk to your child about the day so they feel entirely comfortable.

A baby drawing with coloured pencils on paper

Let's Connect

Considering an Occupational Therapy Assessment?

Speak with our team about your concerns and whether an occupational therapy assessment may be an appropriate next step for your child.