What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a detailed evaluation that examines how a child functions across the key occupational areas of their daily life — at home, at school, and in the community.
At Advance Occupational Therapy, the assessment is conducted by Prarthna Bhuta using a collaborative approach with caregivers, teachers, and other important people in the child’s life.
Assessments may involve standardised measures, sensory processing assessments and play-based observational assessments depending on the areas of challenge. Each client is individually tailored for with regards to intervention and goals set.
The FCA provides a clear picture of your child’s strengths and difficulties, and forms the basis of an individualised intervention plan with goals that are reviewed and monitored throughout therapy.
Areas of Daily Life Assessed
We consider and discuss the various occupational tasks that the child engages in according to the caregiver and child. These occupational areas include:
- Self-Care: dressing, toileting, grooming, and feeding
- Leisure: playing with other children, social interaction, and imaginative play
- Productivity: handwriting, reading, academic skills, and coping in the classroom environment
- Rest: sleep routines and rest patterns
If your child is having challenges with any of the activities mentioned above, an assessment with us at Advance Occupational Therapy may be of benefit.
Who We See
We see children presenting with the following challenges or diagnoses:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Hypotonia (low muscle tone)
- Global Developmental Delay
- CHARGE Syndrome
- ADHD & ADD
- Cerebral Palsy
- Microcephaly
- Sensory Processing Disorders
- Learning problems
- Mental health or behavioural problems
- Coordination issues
Our Assessment Process
At Advance Occupational Therapy we take the time to understand each child fully. The assessment process involves:
1. Initial Consultation
We take the time to discuss the caregiver’s concerns in detail, reviewing the child’s history across all occupational areas. Preschool, daycare, or school collaboration is often discussed at this stage.
2. Standardised & Observational Assessment
Assessments may involve standardised measures, sensory processing as well as play-based observational assessments, depending on what the areas of challenge are. Prarthna may also contact or visit teachers and educators.
3. Individualised Intervention Plan
Based on all of the information gathered, an intervention plan is derived that consists of individualised goals. We believe in being outcomes-based using the latest interventions.
4. Ongoing Review
Goals are reviewed regularly so that the outcomes of therapy are always monitored. Customised OT programs are provided for the various environments the child interacts in.
Why Advance Occupational Therapy
Advance Occupational Therapy is a bespoke occupational therapy service that considers each client’s requirements on an individual basis. You will be seen by the owner of Advance Occupational Therapy, Prarthna Bhuta, during your child’s sessions.
Parent education, and customised individualised OT programs for the various environments that the child interacts in, are some of the unique features of the service at Advance Occupational Therapy.
This makes OT sessions at Advance Occupational Therapy personalised and unique when compared to larger occupational therapy centres.
Prarthna Bhuta graduated from Sydney University with a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and also holds a Bachelors of Science (BSc) and a Masters of Public Health (MPH). She is a member of the Occupational Therapy Association of Australia, is a Registered NDIS Provider, is endorsed by Better Mental Health, and meets yearly continuing professional development requirements.
Booking & Rebates
No referral is needed. Please call (02) 9659 2666 or contact us to book an appointment. Appointments are available Monday through Thursday.
Rebates Available
- NDIS: Prarthna is a registered NDIS Provider.
- Enhanced Primary Care Plan & Mental Health Care Plan: These two rebates require a referral from your GP. Prarthna is a registered provider with Medicare Australia.
- Private Health Insurance: If you have private health insurance for Occupational Therapy, please speak with your provider to find out whether you are eligible.
