Assessment options

All assessment options will include an in-depth discussion with parents first.  I like to talk to parents even before teachers because you know your child the best.  I then talk to teachers with your consent.  Always the classroom teacher and the learning coordinator but often others too, including PE teacher, art or music teacher to get a wide range of observations to note strengths of a child not just concerns.  
With face to face assessments, positive labelled praise (being specific with the praise) is given even when something is being done that is difficult and all children have said after that they have enjoyed the games/activities we have played.


Classroom observation

This provides a wealth of information where I am looking for a child’s strengths as well as individual specific possible reasons for concerns.  Some issues that become apparent are sensory preferences and challenges, attention difficulties and possible causes, motor planning ability , writing skills, social skills and interaction, arousal level, among other areas. The child is not aware that they are being observed during this process but obviously parents are aware.

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Individual screener

This is a short assessment that normally takes one 45 minute session with the child. The parent and teacher consultations help identify specific areas of concern that I need to assess. I’ve always had children say they enjoy their time as we are ‘just doing some activities to see what you are really good at and if there is anything a little tricky’.  Quite often children are forthcoming with both these areas and their perception is important to hear.  Often, the classroom observation and individual screener are both conducted and one report given.

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Full assessment

This takes more time than the individual screener and will look at all areas of the child’s development related to Occupational Therapy.  It will look at the child’s strengths not just concerns.  You will receive a very in-depth report (often 15 pages +) including recommendations and a parent meeting as part of the package.

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