Overview
Tailored support for your child’s developmental needs with our paediatric OT assessments.
- No more long waiting lists
- Family-focused care
- Comprehensive and tailored support
- Flexible appointments
We provide comprehensive private OT assessments tailored for children to support their development and daily functioning. Our team of experienced paediatric occupational therapists works closely with families to identify and address individual needs. Through these assessments, we aim to enable each child to achieve their full potential in all aspects of life.
What Is An OT Assessment?
An Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment is a critical first step in understanding a child’s unique needs and challenges. During this evaluation, our skilled therapists observe and interact with the child to assess various skills and areas of development, such as gross & fine motor skills, sensory processing and daily living activities. This process helps us create a personalised plan that targets specific areas to support and enhance the child’s ability to function effectively in their environment.
By collaborating with parents and caregivers, we gather comprehensive insights into the child’s behaviours and routines, ensuring our approach is holistic and responsive to each child’s situation. Our assessments are thorough, considerate, and designed to empower children to navigate their world with greater independence and confidence.
Why Might Your Child Need An OT Assessment?
A paediatric OT assessment may be necessary for children who struggle with daily activities at home, school, or socially, indicating potential difficulties with physical, sensory, or cognitive skills. These challenges, often subtle, can affect basic tasks, adaptation to environments, or peer interaction.
An OT assessment identifies these issues, enabling targeted interventions to support a child’s development, ensuring they thrive in learning, playing, and growing.
Conditions That May Benefit From An Occupational Therapy Assessment
Various conditions, ranging from developmental delays to physical impairments, can significantly benefit from a paediatric occupational therapy assessment. Common conditions that may require such assessments include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Dyspraxia
- Cerebral Palsy
- Sensory Processing Disorders
Additionally, children facing challenges with gross and fine motor skills, coordination or self-care tasks due to other health issues may also find these assessments beneficial.
How Much Does a Paediatric OT Assessment Cost?
Our paediatric OT assessments are priced as follows:
Comprehensive Paediatric OT assessment – Initial Appointment: £175 + £10 Admin Fee
Comprehensive Paediatric OT assessment – Follow-Up: £125 + £10 Admin Fee
The cost covers the initial assessment session, a detailed evaluation, and a personalised intervention plan. The comprehensive assessment also suggests a follow-up session to be able to evaluate the child across a period of time. Following these appointments we can arrange a review and report at your request to discuss the findings and proposed strategies with parents or caregivers.
Payments can be made using cash or card.
If you plan to use health insurance, be sure to contact your insurance provider to understand the details of coverage for occupational therapy assessments. We aim to provide all necessary documentation to facilitate your insurance claim, especially if you aim to get reimbursed according to the terms of your policy.
Pricing is subject to variation and the exact cost will be confirmed when you book your appointment.
How To Prepare for an OT Assessment
Preparing for a paediatric OT assessment is straightforward, with minimal preparation required from your side. Your consultant will provide detailed information on any specific steps you need to take before the assessment.
1. Provide Background Information
Gather and provide any relevant medical, educational, and behavioural records that can give insights into your child’s history and current needs. This information helps our therapists tailor the assessment to your child’s specific situation.
2. Discuss Your Observations
Be prepared to discuss your observations of your child’s daily activities, including any challenges they face. This discussion can help focus the assessment on areas of particular concern or difficulty.
3. Comfortable Clothing
Ensure your child wears comfortable clothing to the assessment. This allows them to move freely during physical activities or assessments, enabling accurate evaluation.
What Happens During an OT Assessment?
During a paediatric OT assessment, the process is carefully structured to comprehensively evaluate your child’s needs and capabilities. The session typically begins with an interview involving parents or caregivers to gather detailed background information about the child’s health history, daily routines, and any specific concerns or observations. This discussion provides valuable context for the assessment.
Following the initial conversation, the therapist will engage your child in various structured and play-based activities designed to observe and assess different skills. These activities may examine fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, coordination, and cognitive abilities.
The therapist observes how the child interacts with their environment and manages tasks, capturing data that will guide the formulation of a tailored intervention plan. This thorough and interactive approach ensures all areas of concern are addressed, laying the groundwork for effective support.
Why Choose Mid Ulster Clinic for a Paediatric OT Assessment?
Choose Mid Ulster Clinic for your child’s paediatric OT assessment and experience the advantages of short waiting times, personalised treatment plans, and fast access to experienced specialists. Our dedicated team ensures each child receives the attentive care they need for optimal development and well-being, setting us apart in paediatric occupational therapy.
- Medically Reviewed
Last Reviewed By A Medical Professional On 01/29/24
Frequently Asked Questions
What is involved in an OT assessment?
An OT assessment involves observing and interacting with the child to evaluate their motor skills, sensory processing, and daily functioning. The therapist gathers insights from family discussions and specific activities to develop a targeted intervention plan.
Can you see an occupational therapist privately?
Yes, it is possible to see an occupational therapist privately. This allows for more flexible scheduling, personalised attention, and often quicker access to treatment, catering to the specific needs and circumstances of the individual.
What is the role of an occupational therapist?
The role of an occupational therapist involves assessing and treating individuals to improve their ability to perform daily tasks, whether at home, school, or work. They focus on enhancing physical, sensory, and cognitive functions, and develop strategies to overcome barriers that affect an individual’s independence and quality of life.
How long does an OT functional assessment take?
An OT assessment typically lasts between 1 hour per session. We recommend 2 sessions in order to see the child over a period of time and this allows the therapist to thoroughly evaluate the child’s capabilities through various tasks and activities, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
What happens after an occupational therapy assessment?
After an occupational therapy assessment, we can arrange a report to include the findings of your appointments. These are evaluated and discussed with the child’s caregivers. Goals are set, and a customised treatment plan is developed. Ongoing assessments and adjustments ensure the interventions remain effective and responsive to the child’s progress.