OT Assessment - What to Expect?

[MuddlingThroughWithoutAClue]

Posted this in SEN but think here might be good too.

DD (17) has anxiety, panic, low mood, social communication difficulties and is awaiting ASD assessment - she is under CAMHS.

She has an OT assessment appointment next week (NHS) which I pushed for as EP report suggested sensory profile should be explored. (A sensory box was mentioned).

In reality I'm unsure what to expect from the appointment and what questions I should be asking. My experience of OT with DD1 was in relation to DCD/Dyspraxia and mainly involved Movement Battery Assessment and Handwriting Speed Assessment and advice.

I would like to feel better prepared so would be grateful for any information and advice please. Eg what recommendations might the report have?

Thank you

A comprehensive assessment should look at all OT needs, so don’t be surprised if they assess motor skills as well. Although perhaps not with the standard of some NHS assessments.

I would expect them to do a sensory profile. It should look at the different sensory areas and the resultant effect on behaviour, mental health, learning and general functioning. There are several tools, measures, checklists etc. the most simple/common ones being the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and Sensory profile 2, but there are other more comprehensive, specialist tools and ones that focus on specific elements. I imagine an NHS assessment is only likely to cover the former unless you are lucky.

You also need them to look at independence, daily living, self help measures, coping strategies. They may do something like an Outcome Star assessment e.g. Student Star.

They should make specific recommendations about the environment, provision, strategies, equipment needed. From your other posts I would hope they would recommend ongoing direct SIOT sessions and OT sessions working on independence/daily living skills/improved MH.

Thank you @Imitatingdory that's helpful. I specifically asked if sensory assessments would be included when I booked the appointment and the person I spoke to said they would make a note. I will re-read the EP reports and take copies with me.

Ds had a separate OT assessment that was sensory only. It was private but paid for by our LA as part of a needs assessment.

It was pretty comprehensive and actually took about 4 appointments to complete as he struggled to engage for very long.

Mostly everything in the report we already knew, as he has significant sensory difficulties. Although I had no idea he struggled so much with interoception. But it did lead to some sensory integration sessions at our local child development centre.

@Punxsutawney that sounds very comprehensive and so can't imagine DD's will be anything like as comprehensive. Our LA refused to arrange anything during EHCNA so any recommendations would be added at the review we are due to have. I probably should have paid for a private assessment.