Assessment
The purpose of assistive technology assessments is to make recommendations for specific accommodations that will support productivity at school. These recommendations are determined through a combination of standardized assessments (e.g. handwriting, typing, spelling, reading comprehension) and assistive software trials.
Assessments of executive functions and attention can help identify strengths and weaknesses in the areas of planning, organizing, prioritizing, starting tasks, staying focused, self-monitoring, completing tasks, and working memory.
For children and youth who have difficulties with tasks that require dexterity, grip, and coordination of the fingers, hands, and eyes, a fine motor and/or visual motor skills assessment can establish a baseline of current abilities. These tasks include daily activities such as handwriting, using scissors, fastening buttons and zippers, using utensils, tying shoelaces, and throwing/catching objects.
An assessment of adaptive functioning examines the skills needed to effectively and independently care for oneself, respond to others, and meet environmental demands at home, school, work, and in the community. Skills areas included in this assessment are: communication, functional academics, self-direction, leisure, social skills, community use, home living, health and safety, and self-care.
A career exploration assessment provides a range of job options, matched to individual patterns of interest, for youth who are struggling to make a plan for post-secondary education or training. Career options are presented with the level of education required, as well as a National Occupation Classification (NOC) code, which connects to current, local information regarding the job’s median salary, typical duties, and future outlook.
If you have concerns about your child’s overall anxiety, mood, or challenging behaviours, formal assessments can be completed to determine current levels of symptoms, as well as the impact of these symptoms on everyday occupations.
Please note that Occupational Therapists cannot communicate a diagnosis; however, these assessments can provide information that may assist a doctor, pediatrician, psychiatrist, or psychologist in making or ruling out a diagnosis, as well as identifying potential symptoms in need of treatment.