Functional Capacity Assessments

A functional capacity assessment (FCA) evaluates a child’s ability to participate in everyday activities at home, school, and in the community. 

At Believe and Achieve Paediatric Therapy, our FCAs are tailored to identify a child’s strengths, challenges, and specific support needs across areas such as self-care, sensory processing, motor skills, communication, learning, and social participation. This comprehensive assessment involves observing the child’s skills in real-life or simulated tasks, gathering input from caregivers, and using evidence-based tools to measure their functional abilities.

The findings from an FCA provide valuable insights to guide therapy goals, recommend assistive equipment, or support funding applications like NDIS plans. 

Our focus is on empowering children and families by developing practical strategies and solutions that enhance independence, confidence, and overall quality of life.

At Believe and Achieve Paediatric Therapy, our approach to autism assessments is holistic, family-centred, and neurodiversity affirming. We understand that each child is unique, and our goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of their individual strengths, differences, and needs.

Our process begins with a thorough intake, gathering input from parents, caregivers, and teachers to gain insight into the child’s daily experiences across environments. Using standardised assessment tools, alongside caregiver questionnaires and developmental history, we create a well-rounded picture of the child’s developmental profile.

Throughout the assessment, we prioritise creating a supportive environment, tailoring activities to the child’s comfort and interests. 

Our reports focus on practical, strengths-based recommendations and aim to guide families in accessing appropriate supports, therapies, and educational supports. Most importantly, we strive to empower families with knowledge and tools to help their children thrive in their own way.

Following the assessment, your child will require a review with their current paediatrician to review their results and confirm a diagnosis. 

Our assessment team use a range of assessments when assessing for Autism, including: 

• MIGDAS-2 - A structured assessment designed to provide an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis based on sensory, social and communication behaviours, using parent and caregiver input.
• ADOS-2 - A widely used tool that allows us to observe your child's social communication, play, and other behaviours in a structured way to support an ASD diagnosis.
• ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised) - The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a structured interview used for diagnosing autism, planning treatment, and distinguishing autism from other developmental disorders.
• Vineland-3 (Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, Third Edition) - The Vineland-3 can be helpful in diagnosing and classifying various intellectual or neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
• SRS-2 (Social Responsiveness Scale) - Identifies the presence and extent of social differences within the autism spectrum and differentiates it from that which occurs in other disorders.
• Sensory Processing Measure-2 - Assesses your child’s sensory processing in a range of settings. 
• Parent reports 
• Teacher / educator reports 
• Clinical observations 

1. Paediatrician referral: A referral letter from your paediatrician is required to begin the assessment process. Basic medical screening / evaluations should be completed by the GP or paediatrician to review your child's medical history and determine whether your child’s presentation may have a medical cause.
2. Previous Assessments: If your child has had any previous occupational therapy, speech or cognitive assessments, please forward them to us, as these will assist in guiding the process.
3. Forms: You will be sent a range of questionnaires to complete remotely to help us gain deeper insight into your child’s strengths and differences. 
4. Parent Interview: This can be done either via Zoom or in person at our clinic.
5. Child Assessment: We’ll arrange a face-to-face appointment for your child to undergo the assessment.
6. Report: Our occupational therapist will score the above assessments and formulate the assessment report. The report will state whether or not your child meets the criteria for an Autism diagnosis. 
7. Paediatrician Sign-Off: Following the assessment, your child will require a review with their current paediatrician to review their assessment results and confirm a diagnosis. 

The Sensory Processing Measure 2 (SPM-2) is a comprehensive assessment used to evaluate a child’s sensory processing abilities and how they impact participation in everyday activities. 

At Believe and Achieve Paediatric Therapy, we use the SPM-2 to understand how a child processes sensory information across different environments, such as home, school, and the community. This parent- and teacher-completed questionnaire identifies sensory challenges in areas like touch, movement, visual and auditory processing, and body awareness, as well as potential difficulties with social participation or motor planning.

The results of the SPM-2 help us create tailored strategies and interventions to support the child’s sensory needs, enhance regulation, and improve engagement in daily routines. This assessment is particularly valuable for guiding therapy and providing recommendations to families, teachers, and caregivers.

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Psychology assessments provide a deeper understanding of a child’s cognitive abilities, learning styles, and behavioural patterns. 

Cognitive assessments explore areas such as problem-solving, memory, attention, and reasoning skills, helping to identify strengths and challenges that may impact academic performance or daily functioning. 

ADHD assessments evaluate attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity through evidence-based tools, observations, and parent and teacher input, offering insights into how these factors influence a child’s behaviour and development. 

Our psychologist uses a supportive, child-friendly approach, ensuring families feel informed and empowered. The results guide tailored recommendations, strategies, and access to appropriate supports to help children thrive at home, school, and beyond.

Our psychology team use a range of assessments, including: 

• Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)
• Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI)
• Conners 4
• Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF)
• Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scales
• Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) 
• Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)