What happens during the assessment?
The occupational therapist will meet with you, usually at home or somewhere you feel comfortable.
They will observe how you do daily tasks and talk with you about your routines and needs.
We also complete standardised assessments to learn more about you and your support needs.

How long does the assessment take?
The in-person appointment usually lasts between 2 – 3 hours, but this can change depending on your needs.
Sometimes, we book a follow-up appointment (in person, online, or by phone) if we need more information or if a longer appointment doesn’t work for you.

Can someone else be involved in the assessment?
Yes. You can choose to have trusted people, like family members or support workers to join if you want.

Can I ask questions or request changes to the report?
Yes! You will get a draft report to read. You can ask for clarifications or changes before the final report is finished.

Can the assessment be done online?
Some parts of the assessment can be done using telehealth, which might be easier for you. However, FCAs usually work best in person or at your home. This is because the occupational therapist needs to see how you do daily tasks in your own environment. This helps us give the most accurate advice and recommendations for supports that really fit your life.

If there is no occupational therapist in your local area, we may be able to help using telehealth.

What does an OT housing and living assessment involve?
The occupational therapist will meet with you, often at your home, to learn about your daily living skills, routines, challenges, and the kind of support you need to live safely and independently.

Why is an OT assessment needed for Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Individualised Living Options (ILO)?
The assessment helps identify your support needs. It gives the NDIS important information about the level and type of assistance you need for your living situation.

What kind of information does the OT gather?
The occupational therapist looks at your ability to do daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, personal care, managing medication, and staying safe.

How is the OT assessment used in the NDIS plan?
The report helps with funding requests for SIL or ILO by clearly explaining your needs and the supports recommended.

What is a Sensory Processing Assessment?

It is an assessment of how you notice and respond to information from all your senses. These include:

• Touch (Tactile): Feeling pressure, texture, temperature, or pain on your skin

• Sight (Visual): Seeing light, colours, shapes, and movement

• Hearing (Auditory): Noticing sounds, volume, and pitch

• Taste (Gustatory): Sensing flavours like sweet, salty, or sour

• Smell (Olfactory): Detecting smells and scents

• Movement (Vestibular): Feeling balance, motion, and knowing your body’s position in space

• Body Awareness (Proprioception): Knowing where your body parts are and how much force you use

• Internal Body Awareness (Interoception): Sensing things happening inside your body like hunger, thirst, heartbeat, or needing the bathroom

This assessment helps us understand which sensory inputs feel comfortable or overwhelming for you.

Why might I need a Sensory Processing Assessment?
It identifies sensory challenges that may affect your daily life, focus, comfort, or mood. This helps us suggest supports and strategies to make things easier.

What happens during the assessment?
The occupational therapist will ask questions, observe how you respond to different sensory experiences, and use questionnaires to learn about your sensory needs.

How long does the assessment take?
Usually 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your needs.

Can someone support me?
Yes, you can have a trusted person like a family member or support worker with you.

When will I get the report?
You’ll receive the report within 2 to 3 weeks after the assessment.