Preparing for Your First OT or Speech Pathology Assessment: What You Need to Know

claire2876
Apr 8
3 min read

Updated: Apr 25

Starting therapy for the first time—whether for yourself, your child, or someone you support—can feel a little overwhelming. But don’t worry! The first appointment, called an initial assessment, is a chance for our team to get to know you, understand your goals, and build a plan that’s tailored to your needs.

At Shoalhaven Occupational Therapy, Shellharbour Occupational Therapy and Shoalhaven Allied Health, we know that every client is unique. That’s why our initial assessments are designed to be relaxed, flexible, and led by your priorities.

Here’s a guide to what typically happens at your first occupational therapy or speech pathology appointment.

👋 Welcome and Introduction

When you arrive at the clinic (or join us via telehealth), you’ll be greeted by one of our friendly therapists. We’ll take some time to get to know you and explain what the session will involve. You can also ask any questions or raise any concerns at the start—this is your space.

If you’re bringing your child, we’ll make sure they feel comfortable and engaged right from the beginning, often starting with some play or conversation.

🧠 Discussion of Concerns and Goals

This is a big part of the session. We’ll talk about:

What prompted the referral
Your or your child’s current strengths and challenges
Your goals for therapy (e.g., improved handwriting, better communication, increased independence, support at school or home)

We might ask questions like:

“What does a typical day look like?”
“What’s working well—and what’s difficult?”
“Are there any behaviours or patterns you’ve noticed?”
“What would success in therapy look like for you?”

✍️ Observation and Informal Assessment Activities

Depending on the type of assessment, we may do some structured activities or games to learn more about how you or your child are functioning.

For Occupational Therapy, this might include:

Fine motor tasks (cutting, drawing, threading)
Gross motor activities (balance, coordination, jumping)
Sensory preferences (how your child responds to sounds, textures, or movement)
Self-care tasks (getting dressed, using cutlery, toileting)
Attention, play, and social interaction

For Speech Pathology, this might include:

Language understanding and use (following directions, answering questions)
Speech sounds and clarity
Play-based communication (especially in younger children)
Swallowing or feeding habits (if applicable)
Voice and fluency (for older children or adults)

We often use fun games, books, or toys to keep children relaxed and engaged. Our therapists are skilled at making assessments feel natural and enjoyable.

📝 Standardised Assessments (if needed)

Sometimes, we use standardised tools to get a clearer picture of development, compare skills to age-based norms, or gather information for reports. These might be used during the first session or scheduled across multiple appointments depending on the need.

📋 Next Steps and Recommendations

At the end of the session, your therapist will share their initial thoughts, observations, and any immediate recommendations.

We’ll talk about:

Whether ongoing therapy is recommended
What therapy might look like (weekly, fortnightly, short-term, long-term)
Strategies to try at home or school
Whether any reports, letters, or referrals are needed (e.g., NDIS, GP, school)

We’ll also answer any questions you have about funding options, therapy frequency, or what comes next.

📆 Follow-Up and Planning

If therapy is recommended, we’ll work with you to book future sessions and ensure your goals are clearly reflected in your treatment plan. At Shoalhaven OT, Shellharbour OT and Shoalhaven Allied Health, we believe in goal-based, collaborative care—you’re always a part of the planning process.

We may also offer:

A follow-up call or planning meeting with our allied health assistant
A therapy plan outlining your goals and strategies
Coordination with school, support workers, or other health professionals

🧡 Our Promise to You

We know how important these early steps are. Whether you’re feeling nervous, hopeful, or unsure, our team is here to listen and support you. Our initial assessments are a judgment-free zone where we focus on what matters to you and how we can help you get there.