Preparing for an occupational therapy assessment is mostly about helping the therapist understand everyday life as it really happens. You do not need to practise tasks, memorise answers or make a difficult day look better than it is.
At a glance
Key points
- 01Start with the main everyday concerns and the purpose of the assessment.
- 02Bring information that is available, but do not delay asking for help because something is missing.
- 03Describe both strengths and difficulties, including how needs change across different days or environments.
Write down the important questions
Before the appointment, consider what you want the assessment to clarify. This helps keep the discussion focused.
- Which daily activities are difficult, unsafe, exhausting or taking much longer?
- What assistance, prompting, equipment or workarounds are currently used?
- What has changed recently?
- What outcome, decision or report is the assessment intended to support?
- Is there a review date, equipment issue or other deadline?
Gather what is available
Useful information may include current medication or diagnosis information where relevant, previous allied health reports, support rosters, an NDIS plan or goals, equipment details and the contact details of people involved in care.
Only provide information that is relevant to the referral. If an important document is unavailable, tell the occupational therapist rather than assuming the assessment cannot proceed.
Plan for the appointment itself
Choose clothing, communication supports, interpreters, mobility equipment and a support person according to what will help the person participate. Tell the service beforehand about access, sensory, fatigue, communication or timing needs.
It is okay to ask for a break, say that a question is unclear or explain that performance varies. An assessment should reflect the person’s real circumstances, not a test they have to pass.
Sources and further reading
Official guidance may change. Check the linked source for the most current information.