What to expect from an occupational therapy assessment

An occupational therapy assessment is designed to help us understand how a child or young person manages everyday activities and where support may be needed.

Before the appointment, we usually gather background information from parents or carers and, where relevant, from school. This helps us understand concerns, strengths, current support, and the contexts that matter most.

During the assessment

The assessment itself may include observation, discussion, play-based tasks, functional activities, and standardised tools where useful. We work at the child’s pace and aim to create a calm, supportive experience.

Depending on the reason for referral, we may look at self-care, sensory processing, fine motor skills, handwriting, planning and organisation, or participation in daily routines.

After the assessment

Afterwards, we feed back clearly in plain language and provide written recommendations. Those recommendations should help parents, carers, and schools understand what is getting in the way and what practical next steps could make life easier.

The goal is not simply to describe difficulty. It is to create a useful plan that supports participation, confidence, and day-to-day functioning.