An assessment of a child’s coordination is a fun process!
When parents or teachers notice that a child is struggling with coordination, an Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment can provide lots of answers. Our assessments evaluate a child’s ability to carry out everyday, functional activities that require fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and sensory processing. The good news? Occupational Therapy assessments aren’t just effective – they’re also designed to be fun!
What happens during an OT Assessment?
An OT assessment typically begins with gathering information about the child’s hobbies, interests, routines, strengths and challenges. We ask parents and teachers to share insights from two of the child’s everyday environments; home and school. We’re interested in learning if there are any barriers to the child being able to carry out everyday tasks or to enabling them to participate in activities they would like to do.
The next stage is the hands-on assessment, where the Therapist uses a range of activities and ‘games’ (standardised and non-standardised assessment tools) to evaluate the child’s coordination skills. This process often includes:
Fine Motor Skills Testing: The OT might ask the child to complete tasks like writing, drawing, cutting with scissors, or manipulating small objects such as buttons or beads. These activities help assess the child’s dexterity, hand strength, and hand-eye coordination.
Gross Motor Skills Evaluation: Here, the focus is on larger movements that require coordination between different parts of the body. The child might be asked to hop, jump, balance on one foot, or throw and catch a ball. These tasks help the OT understand the child’s balance, posture, core stability and overall body awareness. We also look at sitting ability and posture.
Sensory Processing: Coordination can be influenced by how a child processes sensory information. The OT might observe how the child reacts to textures, lights, sounds, or movement, identifying whether sensory sensitivities or difficulties are impacting their coordination. Parents and teachers might also be asked to complete sensory questionnaires; these are also standardised assessments.
Visual-Motor Integration: This involves activities that require the child to combine what they see with how they move. Tasks like copying patterns, solving puzzles, or threading beads can reveal strengths and challenges in this area.
5. Observation: The OT will then observe the child in their school environment, usually the classroom but sometimes the playground too, to get a fuller picture of how coordination difficulties manifest in daily life.
Is it fun?
Absolutely! Occupational Therapists are skilled at creating a positive, safe and enjoyable environment. The assessment is designed to feel like play, whether it’s a game of throwing beanbags, drawing a favourite character, or even navigating a mini obstacle course, the focus is on making the child feel comfortable, engaged and motivated.
Our playful approach not only helps children relax but also allows the OT to observe their natural abilities in a low-pressure setting. We often find that their children leave the assessment feeling proud of their efforts and accomplishments.
The Outcome
After the assessment, the OT will meet with the child’s parent(s) and teacher to give feedback and to learn more about the child in response to what has been explained. Then a detailed report will be provided, outlining the child’s strengths, challenges, and recommendations. These might include specific exercises, strategies and ideas to support the child’s development at home and school. We can then provide therapy sessions or follow up visits when that’s helpful.
The bottom line… an OT assessment of a child’s coordination is an engaging, fun and insightful process and if advice is then embedded, a child’s daily challenges can turn into happier, positive, more successful daily life.
Emma Puttock
Occupational Therapist