Occupational Therapy Assessments for Intellectual Disability: A Practical Guide for Australians

What occupational therapy assessments for intellectual disability involve

Inclusion Australia describes intellectual disability as a lifelong condition a person is born with or acquires before age 18, diagnosed using an IQ test and an adaptive behaviour test (Inclusion Australia).

• Cognitive assessment for intellectual disability: a psychologist measures thinking and reasoning skills, which gives one part of the picture.
• Adaptive behaviour assessment: checks everyday skills such as self-care, communication, money and safety, usually with input from family or carers.
• Occupational therapy assessment: looks at how those skills work in your own home, community or workplace.
• Health review: Epilepsy Action Australia estimates 1 in 5 people with intellectual disability have epilepsy, compared with 1 in 150 people in the general community (Epilepsy Action Australia). Tell your GP about any seizures.
• Functional report: brings the findings together in plain language for you, your family and, if needed, the NDIA.

Our guide to the intellectual disability test explains the diagnostic side in more detail.

Occupational therapy assessments for intellectual disability: step by step

Waiting times and fees vary, so ask about both when you first contact an occupational therapist.

1. 1Ask your GP for a health summary. Include any diagnosis letters, school reports and previous therapy notes so the OT does not start from scratch.
2. 2Choose an occupational therapist who works with intellectual disability. Ask about their experience with adults or children, whether they visit homes and whether they write NDIS reports.
3. 3Share your goals before the first session. Write down three things you want to do more independently, such as making a sandwich or catching a bus.
4. 4Attend the assessment in familiar places. The OT may watch you complete tasks, use checklists and speak with family or support workers.
5. 5Review the report and ask questions. Make sure the recommendations match your goals, and ask for a plain-language summary if you need one.

Intellectual disability occupational therapy and treatment

Occupational therapy treatment for intellectual disability focuses on skills, routines and the environment rather than trying to change who someone is.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Intellectual disability therapies and treatments beyond OT

No single therapy suits everyone, and the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network notes intellectual disability has no cure, but early learning support can make a big difference (SCHN).

• Speech pathology: builds communication, from words and signs to communication aids, and helps with safe eating and drinking.
• Psychology and counselling: supports emotions, relationships and behaviour, with approaches adapted to the person’s communication style.
• Physiotherapy for intellectual disability: may help with movement, balance, strength and fitness, especially when a person has related physical needs.
• Behaviour support: a specialist writes a plan to understand why behaviour happens and teach safer alternatives.
• Early learning programs: children can work on play, language and school readiness with therapists and educators.

Intellectual disability assessment for adults

Some adults seek an assessment when applying for support, for example if they were not assessed as children or need updated evidence.

• Intellectual disability is a condition a person is born with or acquires before age 18, and your psychologist can explain which childhood records would help.
• Central and Eastern Sydney PHN notes a person with an IQ below 70 but strong adaptive functioning may not meet diagnostic criteria (CESPHN).
• Ask your GP for a referral to a psychologist who works with adults with intellectual disability.
• Bring a trusted support person, because they can describe daily life and help you feel comfortable.

To learn more about how levels are described, see the intellectual disability IQ range, intellectual disability types and symptoms of intellectual disability. For a plain definition, read what an intellectual disability is.

Intellectual disability therapy and the NDIS

An OT report is evidence of how a condition affects daily life, and the NDIA makes the final decision.

• The NDIS guideline puts intellectual disability diagnosed and assessed as moderate, severe or profound under current DSM criteria on List A, and with a List A diagnosis the NDIA will likely decide you meet the disability requirements (NDIA).
• You must be aged 0 to 64 to apply for the NDIS, and a child younger than 6 with developmental delay can be eligible if early intervention supports will reduce their future need for support (NDIA).
• If you meet the NDIS access requirements, ask the NDIA, your plan manager or your support coordinator how therapy fits into your plan.
• Our guides to disability occupational therapy and occupational therapy for children with autism show how these supports work in practice.

When to talk to a GP or specialist

• A child is not meeting developmental milestones for speech, movement or play.
• Learning at school is much harder than for classmates, even with extra help.
• An adult struggles with money, safety or daily routines and has never had an assessment.
• You see sudden changes in skills, sleep, mood or behaviour.
• You are unsure whether the diagnosis you have is correct or up to date.

Call 000 in an emergency.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Your next step

Once you have an assessment and a plan, everyday support helps you put therapy goals into practice. TQN Care workers assist with personal care, community access and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle, Wollongong and Geelong. We follow your therapists’ recommendations and your own choices. Explore our NDIS services or make a referral online.