An occupational therapy assessment is based on “standardised tests” designed to place the person tested against what’s expected for their age. But beyond this “score,” the specialist’s observations throughout the assessment help build a fuller, more personalised picture, in order to determine the most appropriate rehabilitation goals for that specific person. Here’s how it works.

What is a “standardised test”?

In occupational therapy, a standardised test is a test carried out on a large number of people with varied profiles – different age groups, genders, school levels, and so on. The one thing they have in common is that they have no learning disorders (DYS disorders).

Thanks to the data collected this way, the professional can compare the tested person’s results against what’s expected for their age, school level, or any other criteria.

How do you read the results of an occupational therapy assessment?

The various occupational therapy assessments (motor, graphic…) are converted into scores to allow comparison with the “norm”:

  • Standard deviation is a calculation used to compare the score obtained to the average. It ranges from -3 to +3. Since 66% of people fall between -1 and +1, a score in that range means the person tested is within the average.
  • The standard score is built from data tables, established by age group and provided with the tests. If the average sits between 8 and 12, the score can range from 1 to 19.
  • The percentile rank is also obtained from data tables, established by age group and provided with the tests. It refers to the percentage of children within the norm who obtained the same score as the person tested. Most fall between 16 and 85%.

How are rehabilitation goals set?

As part of the motor assessment, the occupational therapist carries out an overall evaluation (M-ABC II movement battery, manual dexterity, ball throwing, balance), another on gestures, and an evaluation of eye-hand coordination. They also assess visuo-spatial and constructive processing through various tests and draw up a graphic assessment (evaluating pencil grip, handwriting, and speed).

Based on the occupational therapy assessment and observation of the person tested throughout the various tests, the specialist can build a picture of the situation across several areas. This allows them to put in place fully personalised sessions directly focused on the child’s difficulties.

Don’t hesitate to consult the online occupational therapists on the Ora-Visio platform to get an assessment and start the work as early as possible. Available and attentive, they can also give you a few recommendations to best support your child’s difficulties, particularly at school.