The assessment is an important part, as it allows the therapist to start identifying strengths and some of the challenges that your child may be facing. This information may be collected through a number of ways – standardised assessments, clinical observations and parent interview. It is important to remember that as a parent or carer, you are an expert on your child, so the therapist will be including you and any other people close to your child (i.e. teachers, other therapists) in this process.

The results of the assessment helps to determine your child’s current abilities, which assists with goal setting and monitoring future progress.

Once the assessment is completed, the therapist will discuss the results and what this may indicate. A report may also be completed upon request. It is important to us that you understand these results as they will help guide the intervention that is undertaken. We encourage you to ask any questions, should you need further clarification.

After discussing these results, the therapist will work collaboratively with you to develop some goals for your child. Long term goals are important, but it is also important that we can break these down into smaller, achievable goals. Once goals have been determined, this will then guide the frequency and duration of the sessions.

Majority of therapy sessions are one-to-one, where the therapist will be working with the child to develop skills in order to meet the established goals. The therapist will also require regular contact with the parent, which may be done during the session or at a set time after therapy, if for example therapy is completed at school. This is an important component as it allows for discussion of progress and any strategies or activities that may be required to complete at home.

An integral part, so that therapy can be successful and your child achieves their goals, is to complete the required activities or tasks set by the therapist at home. A discussion will be had about how much time you have available during the week for these tasks. The therapist will also aim to provide activities in such a manner that it will be easily incorporated into your life.

Informal discussions about the progress of your child will happen regularly, during or after therapy sessions. We encourage you to keep us updated about their progress at home and school, so that goals can be modified or updated as required. It may be beneficial to have a more formal assessment, to review the progress of the child or you may require this for third parties (i.e. paediatrician, teacher). This may happen yearly or as requested.