Paediatric sensory assessment Adelaide

When can a sensory assessment help your child?

A sensory assessment helps uncover how your child perceives and responds to sensory information in their daily life.

Conducted by an occupational therapist, this assessment identifies sensory sensitivities, challenges, and preferences that may impact their emotions, behaviours, and ability to participate in everyday activities.

By gaining a deeper understanding of your child’s unique sensory profile, we can develop tailored strategies to support their regulation, focus, and overall well-being at home, school, and in the community.

Below is a list of common presentations that warrant consideration for a sensory assessment:

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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.

Some benefits of a sensory assessment:

Early Intervention

Identify potential sensory challenges early on, allowing for timely interventions that can significantly impact overall well-being.

Tailored Support

Receive personalised insights into sensory preferences and sensitivities, enabling the creation of individualised strategies and interventions for unique needs.

Enhanced Communication

Foster better communication between individuals, caregivers, and therapists by establishing a shared understanding of the sensory profile. This collaborative approach contributes to a more supportive care network.

Optimised Environments

Implement sensory-informed strategies in various settings to create optimal environments, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Empowered Individuals

Equip individuals and caregivers with the knowledge and tools needed to create sensory-friendly spaces, promoting positive and nurturing atmospheres.

Clear Understanding of Sensory Strengths and Challenges

A sensory assessment provides a detailed picture of how a child responds to sensory input, highlighting both strengths and areas of difficulty that may impact daily activities.

Individualised Sensory Profile

Families receive a personalised sensory profile that explains how sensory processing affects behaviour, emotions, attention, and participation across daily routines.

Practical, Actionable Recommendations

The assessment includes clear, practical strategies that can be used at home, school, and in the community to better support the child’s sensory needs.

Support for Daily Routines and Participation

By understanding sensory needs, caregivers and educators can better support participation in everyday activities such as learning, play, self-care, and transitions.

Informed Therapy and Support Planning

A sensory assessment helps guide future therapy decisions, ensuring any intervention is targeted, meaningful, and aligned with the child’s individual needs.

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 sensory assessment?

A paediatric sensory assessment explores how a child processes and responds to sensory information such as touch, movement, sound, and visual input. It helps identify sensory preferences, sensitivities, and regulation needs that may impact daily participation.

How do I know if my child may need a sensory assessment?

A sensory assessment may be helpful if your child experiences sensory sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviours that affect their participation in daily routines, play, learning, self-care, or emotional regulation.

What areas are explored during a sensory assessment?

A sensory assessment may explore sensory processing patterns, regulation, motor planning, participation in daily activities, and how sensory differences impact a child’s functioning at home, school, and in the community.

What happens during a paediatric sensory assessment?

The assessment process may include parent or caregiver interviews, observations, play-based activities, questionnaires, and standardised sensory assessment tools where appropriate.

How is a sensory assessment different from a functional capacity assessment?

A sensory assessment focuses specifically on sensory processing and regulation, while a functional capacity assessment looks more broadly at a child’s overall functioning and support needs across daily life.

Can a paediatric sensory assessment be funded through the NDIS?

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

Will I receive a report after the sensory assessment?

Yes. A written report is provided outlining the child’s sensory profile, how sensory processing impacts daily participation, and recommendations to support regulation and engagement.

How do I get started with a paediatric sensory assessment?

You can get started by completing our intake form or contacting our team to discuss your child’s needs and whether a sensory 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.