10 Tips That Make A Real Difference With NDIS Occupational Therapy Assessments

The Support You Deserve Starts With Knowing What To Ask



When you're supporting someone you care about, getting the right help can lift a huge weight off your shoulders.

If you’re navigating the NDIS and have been told an Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment is needed, you might be wondering where to start.

This page is here to guide you. You’ll learn what to expect, how to prepare, and how the process can support better outcomes for your family. 

These ten tips have helped many families get clarity, confidence, and the support they need and now, they’re here to help you too.

A strong OT report does more than tick a box. It opens doors. It can lead to extra support, equipment, and funding that make everyday life easier.

How A Mum’s Story Shows The Power Of OT Reports

Susan, a mum from the Northern Beaches, shared, “Before the OT report, I knew my son needed help, but I didn’t know how to prove it. The report translated our daily routines into a language the NDIS understands.”



When written well, these reports give your child, parent, or partner a better chance of receiving what they truly need.

Look for someone who’s not only qualified but who truly understands how NDIS funding works. They should know how to connect recommendations to goals in your plan.



If your OT talks clearly about timelines, outcomes, and how they support NDIS goals that’s a great sign.

Don’t be afraid to ask, “How do your reports support participants to access funding?” You deserve a clear and confident answer.

Think about your everyday life. What feels tricky right now? Getting dressed? Cooking meals? Managing school drop-offs?

Make a list or record a few quick voice notes. You don’t have to remember it all in the moment. These everyday challenges are exactly what your OT needs to hear.



Think of it like packing for a trip you want to bring the things you’ll actually use. Share what matters most.

There’s no need to tidy the house or make things look better than they are. Let the OT see how life really works in your home.

They’re not here to judge. They’re here to understand. Whether it’s the mess, the stairs, or the routines that feel hard this is the time to show what’s real.



You’re helping them help you.

The NDIS usually asks for review reports about six weeks before a plan ends, so it’s safer to start two months ahead.

That way, you’re not rushing. You’re prepared, and you can use the report to its full potential.

If something is urgent, speak up. A good OT will always be upfront about whether they can meet your timeline.

OTs often look at more than just the individual. They consider how the home works, how routines feel, and what roles each person plays.

Your story matters. So does your partner’s, your child’s, or your parent’s. If they want to speak or show something, let them be part of the process.



One mum told us, “When my daughter started talking, the OT got a clearer view. It helped the report show what we really needed.”

You can ask questions during the assessment. It’s your session too.

Want to know why a task is being assessed? Ask. Want to understand how something will be written up? Ask. This is about building understanding not just for the OT, but for you as well.

A few helpful questions might be:

• What will the report include?
• Can these recommendations help us with equipment or transport?
• When will the report be ready?

You’ll feel more confident when you know what’s happening and why.

Your OT can’t be there all the time. But you can share moments that matter a short video of bath time struggles, a photo of a cluttered hallway, or a clip showing how hard it is to carry groceries up stairs.

These real-life moments help back up your story. It doesn’t have to be polished. It just needs to be real.



Think of it like giving a friend a quick glimpse into your day. That’s what helps the OT build a strong case.

You have the right to read the draft report before it’s final. Use this chance to check that it reflects your life clearly.

Does it explain the challenges? Are the recommendations linked to goals? If something feels off or missing, ask your OT to update it.



This is your story. Make sure it sounds true to your experience.

Once you have the final report, store it somewhere safe. Keep a digital and paper copy.



You might need it for a plan review, to share with a new provider, or simply to look back on what’s changed.

It’s a helpful record of where things were at and a tool that can support you moving forward.

The NDIS can feel complex, but there’s support out there. Many families feel uncertain at the start, but find clarity through the process.

Here are a few common speed bumps and how to move through them:

• Waiting too long to book an OT assessment? Start early.
• Not sure what to say during the session? Be yourself.
• Report doesn’t feel right? Ask questions.

Every family has ups and downs. The good news is: you don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to get started.

When choosing an OT, look for someone who listens well and communicates clearly. Someone who helps you feel understood. That matters as much as anything written in the report.

One mum told us, "I was drowning in paperwork. The OT sat with me, helped me make sense of it all, and showed me what was possible. I finally felt like I could breathe again."

That’s the kind of support you deserve.

Why Families Trust OT Assessments To Make Life Easier

Thousands of people are navigating this exact same process. Parents, carers, and participants are building the supports that work best for them.

You’re not behind. You’re not missing something. You’re doing the right thing by reaching out.