What To Expect During an NDIS Functional Assessment for Young People

By Your Health Magazine

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Embarking on the journey through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can feel overwhelming, particularly when it comes to the functional assessment process. For young people and their families, understanding what lies ahead can significantly reduce anxiety and help everyone prepare effectively.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process, breaking down what to expect before, during, and after an NDIS functional assessment for young people.

What Is an NDIS Functional Assessment?

A functional assessment is essentially an evaluation that measures how a young person’s disability affects their ability to participate in everyday activities. It examines practical aspects of life—from self-care and communication to social interaction and learning. The purpose is to identify appropriate supports that will enhance independence and participation.

For young people, these assessments are specifically tailored to evaluate age-appropriate developmental milestones and activities. They consider not just what a young person can and can’t do, but how they perform these activities compared to peers without disability, and what supports could bridge any gaps. This holistic approach ensures that the resulting NDIS plan addresses the young person’s unique needs within the context of their family environment and community participation.

Specialized functional assessments can address specific needs and aspirations, such as OT driving assessments for autism, which must be conducted by a driver-trained occupational therapist. These evaluations ensure that participants receive targeted supports appropriate to their unique circumstances and goals.

Preparing for the Assessment

Preparation begins well before the assessment day. You’ll typically receive notification of your appointment several weeks in advance, giving you time to gather relevant documentation. Collect any previous assessment reports, medical records, school reports, and therapy notes that provide insight into the young person’s functioning across different environments.

Consider keeping a diary for a week or two before the assessment, documenting challenges faced in daily activities, successful strategies, and situations where additional support would make a difference. This information proves invaluable during discussions with the assessor. It’s also helpful to prepare the young person by explaining the process in age-appropriate terms, emphasizing that this is a conversation to understand how to best support them, not a test they can pass or fail.

Create a list of questions you may have about the process, and consider the goals the young person has for the future. Whether it’s greater independence, participation in community activities, or educational aspirations, having these goals clearly articulated helps shape a more relevant assessment.

Additionally, it’s worth contacting the functional assessment service provider beforehand to clarify what you need to prepare specifically for your situation. This allows you to discuss particular concerns, such as driving with autism, understand how the assessment process will address your unique needs, and ensure the service is properly equipped to provide the appropriate evaluation and support recommendations.

Driving instructor sitting his student and explain to him car driving basics, how to properly prepare himself for a drive. View from inside.

The Assessment Process

The functional assessment typically takes place in a comfortable, familiar environment—often your home or a local NDIS office. It generally lasts between one to three hours, depending on the complexity of needs and the young person’s ability to engage continuously.

An allied health professional such as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech pathologist, or psychologist usually conducts the assessment. They begin by establishing rapport with the young person, creating a relaxed atmosphere conducive to authentic interaction. The assessment combines observation, conversation, structured activities, and standardized assessment tools appropriate for the young person’s age and abilities.

During the process, the assessor observes how the young person performs various tasks relevant to daily living. They may ask the young person to demonstrate skills like preparing a simple meal, organizing belongings, or explaining how they would handle a social situation. For younger children, this might involve observing play behaviors, communication patterns, and interactions with caregivers.

Parents and caregivers play an essential role, providing context about typical functioning across different environments and situations that may not be observable during the assessment itself. Be prepared to discuss both strengths and challenges honestly, as this comprehensive picture helps determine appropriate supports.

What Areas Are Assessed?

Functional assessments for young people typically cover six core domains:

Daily Living Skills: This examines self-care activities such as dressing, bathing, meal preparation, and managing personal belongings. For adolescents, this might extend to money management, using public transportation, and household responsibilities.

Communication: Assessment of both receptive (understanding) and expressive (conveying information) communication skills. This includes verbal communication, written expression, and the use of alternative communication methods if relevant.

Social Interaction: Evaluation of how the young person initiates and maintains relationships, understands social cues, resolves conflicts, and participates in group activities.

Mobility: Assessment of gross and fine motor skills, including physical movement around environments, coordination, and ability to access community spaces.

Learning and Applying Knowledge: This explores how the young person processes information, solves problems, makes decisions, and applies skills across different contexts, particularly in educational settings.

There’s also examination of involvement in community activities, access to recreational opportunities, and barriers to participation.

After the Assessment

Following the assessment, the allied health professional prepares a comprehensive report detailing their observations, the young person’s functional capacity across domains, and recommendations for supports. You should receive a draft of this report for review, allowing you to correct any factual errors or add missing information before it’s finalized.

The report becomes part of your NDIS application or plan review, informing funding decisions. Importantly, this isn’t simply a clinical document but a practical roadmap identifying how specific supports can help the young person achieve greater independence and participation.

Conclusion

While the functional assessment process may initially seem daunting, understanding its purpose and structure can transform it into a valuable opportunity. Rather than focusing on limitations, these assessments identify pathways toward greater independence, community engagement, and quality of life.

Remember that this assessment is just one step in an ongoing journey of support, with regular reviews ensuring that as the young person grows and develops, their NDIS plan evolves accordingly.