Paediatric Functional Capacity Assessments Adelaide

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NDIS Funding & Support Plans

Provides detailed insights to support NDIS applications, plan reviews, and funding requests, ensuring your child receives appropriate services.

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Daily Living & Independence

Identifies areas where your child may need support with self-care tasks like dressing, eating, toileting, and personal organisation.

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School & Learning Participation

Assesses your child’s ability to engage in classroom activities, handwriting, concentration, and following routines, with recommendations for support.

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Motor Skills Development

Evaluates fine and gross motor skills to understand challenges with tasks such as handwriting, using cutlery, tying shoelaces, or participating in play and sports.

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Emotional & Sensory Regulation

Identifies sensory processing differences or emotional regulation difficulties that may impact behaviour, focus, or interactions with others.

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Assistive Technology & Environmental Adaptations

Recommends tools, equipment, or modifications at home, school, or in the community to support your child’s participation and comfort.

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Collaboration with Schools & Other Professionals

Provides recommendations that can be shared with teachers, therapists, and support teams to create a consistent approach across environments.

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Social & Community Participation

Assesses challenges related to making friends, engaging in social interactions, and participating in group activities.

A functional capacity assessment (FCA) may encompass some or all of the following components, though it's not mandatory for all cases:

Child and Family Interview

‍The therapist will gather information from the child's parents or caregivers about the child's medical history, developmental milestones, and any concerns or challenges they may be experiencing.

Observations

‍The therapist will observe the child's physical movements, gross and fine motor skills, balance, coordination, posture, and overall functional abilities.

Standardised Assessments

‍Various standardised assessment tools may be used to evaluate specific aspects of the child's functional capacity, such as motor skills, sensory processing, visual perception, and self-care abilities.

Play-Based Assessments

‍For younger children or those with developmental delays, play-based assessments may be used to observe the child's interactions, problem-solving abilities, and social skills.

Sensory Integration Assessment

‍If the child is experiencing sensory processing challenges, the therapist may conduct a sensory integration assessment to understand how the child processes and responds to sensory information from their environment.

Functional Activities

‍The child may be asked to perform age-appropriate functional activities or tasks, such as dressing, feeding, writing, or playing, to assess their abilities and identify any difficulties they may have.

Endurance and Tolerance Assessment

The therapist may evaluate the child's endurance and tolerance for physical activities and identify any fatigue or limitations.

Parent/Caregiver and Teacher Input

‍Input from parents, caregivers, and teachers is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the child's functional abilities in various settings.

School-Based or Educational Assessments

‍If relevant, the therapist may collaborate with teachers or school personnel to understand the child's functional capacity in an educational setting and identify any accommodations or modifications needed.

Comprehensive Report

After completing the assessment, the therapist will compile the findings and recommendations into a comprehensive report. This report may include a summary of the child's strengths, challenges, specific needs, and recommendations for therapy, interventions, or educational support.

Why Choose us:

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Celebrating Neurodiversity

We believe that neurodiversity is a natural and valuable aspect of human variation. Our neuroaffirming practice embraces the understanding that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions, are a part of the diverse fabric of humanity.

We celebrate and value the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring to our society.

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Creating an Inclusive Environment

Our approach creates a safe and accepting environment for all children, regardless of their neurological differences. We strive to foster a sense of belonging, where children feel understood, accepted, and valued for who they are. We empower children to express themselves authentically and engage in their therapeutic journey with confidence.

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Respecting Individual Needs

We understand that each child has their own unique way of experiencing the world and engaging with daily activities. Our therapists take the time to listen, observe, and adapt interventions to meet the specific needs and sensory sensitivities of each child.

Supporting Self-Advocacy

We empower children to become self-advocates by nurturing their self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-advocacy skills. We encourage children to actively participate in their therapy, make choices, and express their opinions. This prepares them to advocate for their needs and rights throughout their lives.

Collaborating with Families and Support Networks

We actively involve parents, caregivers, and family members in the therapy process, valuing their insights and perspectives. We work together as a team, fostering open communication and mutual respect to create a cohesive and supportive network around the child.

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Working Closely with Educators and Schools

We understand the pivotal role that educators and schools play in a child's development and success. We are dedicated to collaborating closely with educators to ensure a coordinated and supportive approach to the child's therapy needs. By working together, we can maximise the child's potential and create a seamless experience across different environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a paediatric functional capacity assessment?

A paediatric functional capacity assessment (FCA) is a comprehensive assessment that looks at how a child functions in everyday activities. It provides a detailed understanding of a child’s strengths, support needs, and level of independence across daily life.

Why might my child need a functional capacity assessment?

A functional capacity assessment may be required to support NDIS access, planning, or plan reviews. It helps identify a child’s support needs and provides evidence to inform funding and goal-setting.

What areas are assessed during a paediatric FCA?

An FCA may assess areas such as self-care, communication, social participation, learning, emotional regulation, mobility, sensory processing, and participation at home, school, and in the community.

What happens during a paediatric functional capacity assessment?

The assessment process may include parent or caregiver interviews, observations, play-based and functional activities, standardised assessments where appropriate, and collaboration with educators or other professionals.

Can a paediatric FCA be funded through the NDIS?

Yes. Paediatric functional capacity assessments are commonly funded through the NDIS when they are considered reasonable and necessary. Funding availability depends on the child’s plan and goals.

Do you provide a written report after the assessment?

Yes. A comprehensive written report is provided following the assessment. The report outlines functional strengths, support needs, and recommendations to assist with NDIS planning and decision-making.

How long does a paediatric functional capacity assessment take?

The timeframe varies depending on the child’s needs and the scope of the assessment. This will be discussed with families prior to commencing the assessment process.

How do I get started with a paediatric functional capacity assessment?

You can get started by completing our intake form or contacting our team to discuss your child’s needs and whether a functional capacity assessment is appropriate.

Remember, every child is unique

The presence of one or more of these signs does not automatically mean that therapy is needed. However, if you have concerns about your child's development, motor skills, sensory processing, self-care abilities, or overall functional performance, it is recommended to consult with a therapist. They can assess your child's needs and recommend appropriate therapy interventions to support their growth and development.

Paediatric functional capacity assessment Adelaide

When can a functional capacity assessment help your child?