Cavan Childrens OT Assessments
1 - 2.5 HOURS | FACE-TO-FACE | FULL REPORT INCLUDED
An assessment allows us to problem solve the issues which your child is experiencing. It allows us to gain a full picture of your child's strengths and difficulties.
Using specifically chosen standardised and non standardised assessments, it allows us to analyse and explore areas of your child's development. Such as their physical, emotional, perceptual, sensory and psychological development.
Get in Touch to Book an Assessment
What does our Assessment entail?
Getting to know your child
What We Do
1. LET'S GET GOING
An assessment can take from 1 - 2.5 hours to complete, depending on your child's areas of concern. Once an appointment has been arranged, we will send you some questionnaires. It is important that these are returned, ideally before or on the day of your appointment.
Don't worry, we make the assessment process as relaxed as possible for you and your child.
The assessments will usually take place in our clinic however for some children we can arrange that these are completed at home.
Don't worry, If your child needs a little extra support to feel comfortable coming along to the assessment, we can send you a video introducing the therapist, showing the clinic environment and the toys they will be playing with. We understand that preparation is key for some children.
It is best if your child is dressed in comfortable clothing.
2. THE ASSESSMENT
Along with our specifically chosen standardised & non-standardised assessments, we also use a range of toys, and games to complete the assessments.
The assessment usually entails a mixture of desk-top and floor-based activities. This enables us to explore and analyse areas of physical, emotional, sensory, perceptual and psychological development.
We recommend that parents stay for the duration of the assessment.
3. REPORTS
Our reports are very extensive however in keeping with best practice we do aim to have these with you 2 weeks after the assessment. If there is a delay due to public/ staff holidays, you will be made aware. Parents will be invited back to a feedback session to discuss the findings of the assessment and to discuss any next steps.
This feedback session lasts approx. 30 mins. We do not advise that you bring your child along to these feedback sessions, however this will be agreed with the therapist at the assessment. As for some of our children they will want to feel in control of their own care.
We advise that you read the report thoroughly prior to the feedback sessions and write down any questions you have.
4. INTERVENTION
We offer both direct and indirect intervention. This is case specific to your child and on the outcomes of the assessment.
This is where we share the correct tools which will start to help your child to reach their full potential.
ASSESSMENT TOOLS
We work with a full range of standardised & non-standardised assessments.
All of our assessments are child & family focused. We do not believe in a one size fits all approach therefore we can adapt all assessments to suit your child - these include:
- Movement Assessment Battery for Children 2
- Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration
- Sensory Profile-2
- Developmental Test of Visual Perception
- Plus a variety of handwriting, organisational & play skill assessments
We use the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to ensure you all of our assessments and interventions are as chid and family focused as possible.
Why your Child may need an Assessment?
Here are a few problems your child may be experiencing
Gross motor skills
Clumsy, falls over more than others, struggles to throw/catch/kick ball, poor posture, tires easily, lateness in reaching developmental milestone, avoidance of physical activities, difficulty following instructions in PE, slow to learn new skills such as bike riding
Fine Motor Skills
Awkward grasp when holding small objects, frequently dropping objects, complains of tiredness or pain, difficulty using scissors or completing board games, reluctant to complete boardgames/ lego/mechano
Handwriting difficulties
Difficulty remembering how to form letters or copying from the board, poor spacing, poor pencil grasp, weak hand strength, complaining of pain or tiredness when writing, messy handwriting, breaks pencil nibs frequently, leans heavily on paper
Visual Perceptual Skills
Unable to find objects when asked to retrieve something from a cluttered space, difficulty identifying differences between letters, problems remembering sequences, difficulty staying on the line, difficulty with puzzles, jigsaws
Sensory Processing Skills
Always on the go, fidgety, notices everything going on in classroom, sensitive to noise, finds supermarkets overwhelming, dislike of birthday parties, difficulties with hair washing/ cutting, always chewing on something, licks non food objets, has to smell everything, seeks out textures such as rubbling soft fabrics, slow to get motivated, seeks out quiet activities
Organisational Skills
Forgetting to pack certain things for school/ sports club, not bringing home everything from school, slowness to get out in the mornings, over reliance on parents to organise their belongings, frequently asking parents to repeat what was asked of them, loosing personal items, difficulties concentrating and easily distracted
Self care skills
Avoidance of certain tasks, changes in behaviour at certain moments for example teeth brushing, problems managing buttons zips, laces, difficulty, changing for PE, over reliance on adults/ siblings to complete certain tasks for them
Confidence
Avoidance of sports, flushed when asked to complete tasks in class, avoidance of participation in clubs/ groups, struggling to form/ sustain friendships, reluctance to go to school, behavioural problems from frustration of not being able to do a certain task
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