Getting started with
Evaluation Services
Occupational Therapy and Social Work individual treatment services start with either an Initial Consultation, with a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) or a Developmental Assessment. Your choice on which of these starting points you need is largely dependent on what you need the services for and whether you need a written report.
To talk to one of our friendly staff members
We offer a range of options to get you started
Initial Consultation
This is required for all people starting services at M.O.T.A who do not choose to have a FCA or Developmental Assessment. The session is allocated for 1.75 hours which includes an hour with the therapist followed by 0.75 hours for indirect task completion. During this session the therapist will get to know you and your child and begin to understand your reason for seeking out therapy services. They will perform the assessment tasks that they require to set an initial baseline of capacity; to be able to provide you with an understanding of strengths and weaknesses; and to be able to provide recommendations about whether Occupational Therapy services are warranted, frequency and style of service provision. Parents and/or participants may be asked to fill out questionnaires to support this process. This session does not provide a written report, rather will provide an email about strengths and weaknesses identified and can include, upon request, a follow up phone call to answer questions.
A Whole Range of Assessments
Developmental Assessment
This is a formal assessment, utilizing both standardized assessment tools and clinical observations to provide an in depth understanding of developmental levels and where appropriate provide diagnostic support. This session takes between 1 ½ to 2 hours and within the cost will also provide a written report and parents/participants will be asked to fill out specific questionnaires depending upon focus areas. This method of commencement will be required should you require a formal written report for funding processes such as Program for Students with a Disability, or if you prefer to have a written report to hand onto other providers or if a comprehensive report is how you best absorb information.
Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)
A FCA is the style of assessment required for access or review under the NDIS. The NDIS defines “functional capacity as an individual’s ability to be involved in the life situations and to execute tasks or actions, with and without assistance (assistive devices and / or personal assistance). Information regarding impairment(s) and environmental factors, and how they impact the individual’s function is included when assessing functional capacity.”
A FCA provides an in-depth assessment under the six life skill areas as defined by the NDIS – Communication; Social interaction / Socialising; Learning; Mobility; Self-care; and Self-management.
A FCA is billed at the hourly rate and typically takes approximately 3 to 4 hours with the participant and any relevant support people such as parents or caregivers followed by between 3 to 8 hours of report writing depending upon the complexity. Participants and / or caregivers will also be asked to complete questionnaires as a part of this process.
Sensory Integration & Praxis Tests (SIPT)
This is a specialist standardized assessment that may be sought out to provide diagnostic support when concerns exist regarding Sensory Integration or Dyspraxia. Often this is not required as a first step but might be something sought out if a more in-depth assessment is required later down the line. It may also be requested for the initial point of contact should a client’s treating therapist be unable to provide this service themselves. A SIPT is charged at the hourly rate and typically takes 3 hours to administer with the client (which can be spread over several sessions as required) followed by 2-4 hours of report writing depending upon complexity.
Ongoing Therapy Services
The therapy service frequency will be determined upon a number of factors, with the main considerations being the therapist’s opinion on the frequency needed to facilitate change and family/client/funding considerations. Most one on one sessions occur either weekly or fortnightly at the beginning, however may transition to monthly input with the therapist and potentially more frequent sessions with an allied health assistant once skills are moving toward consolidation or practice in a naturalistic environment.
In addition to the one on one sessions the therapist might encourage you to consider specific group programs, paired sessions with another child and/or home/school program activities to be integrated into those environments depending upon your child’s goals. If we are unable to provide a session at a time that works for you and your family then we can also offer a home program designed to support your child to address goal areas that you can implement at home until you are able to find an appropriate session time.
If you would like to implement the SSP and are having difficulty doing this at home we can provide the daily intensive support to implement this program and during the school holidays we can also provide intensive sessions where your child can attend multiple times per week to fast track specific areas of skill development.