Paediatric Assessments
Our Paediatric Assessments offer a comprehensive look at your child’s development –
all done in a gentle, play-based manner. We understand that as a parent you might be concerned about areas where your child seems to be struggling, or you just want a clear picture of their abilities. At Polkadot Sparrow in Hillcrest, we make the evaluation process stress-free and even fun for your little one.
Who It’s For
This service is ideal for infants, toddlers, and children of any age when there are questions about their development. If you wonder “Is my child on track for their age?” or have specific concerns (fine motor skills, sensory issues, attention, school performance, etc.), a paediatric OT assessment can provide answers. We frequently assess children for early developmental delays, coordination issues, learning readiness, behavioral concerns related to sensory processing, and more. No formal referral is needed – parents can directly seek an evaluation if something just “feels off” or if a teacher/doctor has suggested an OT assessment.
What to Expect
Assessment should feel like understanding, not testing. Your child will engage in a friendly, play-based evaluation that might look like simple games and activities to them. One of our therapists will first speak with you to get a thorough history – we want to hear about your child’s daily routines, strengths, challenges, and your own concerns. During the assessment, we may have your child try tasks like stacking blocks, drawing, jumping, catching a ball, or solving age-appropriate puzzles. We’ll observe motor skills (e.g. how they use their hands, balance, coordination), sensory responses (are they sensitive to touch or sound?), cognitive and play skills, and self-care abilities (like feeding or dressing skills for their age). We often use standardized tools or checklists, but in a very low-pressure way. If your child is young, it may feel like a play session on the floor with toys; if they’re older, we’ll incorporate activities they find engaging. Our therapists are skilled at making children feel comfortable – we might introduce a friendly puppet, play pretend, or take movement breaks as needed. The assessment environment is warm and safe, and we never force a child to do something that makes them too upset. Parents are welcome to stay and participate; your insights during the session are valuable, and your presence can help your child feel at ease.
How It Helps
After the assessment, you will receive a clear, compassionate report that celebrates your child’s strengths and outlines any areas where they might need extra support. We avoid jargon – everything is explained in plain language. Importantly, the report doesn’t just list issues; it provides a concrete action plan. This may include personalized recommendations for therapy goals (for example, improving handwriting grip or coping with sensory sensitivities), activities or exercises to do at home, and any referrals if needed (like suggesting a speech therapist or developmental paediatrician, if we discover issues beyond OT’s scope). Our goal is to empower you as a parent with understanding and direction – turning your concerns into a roadmap for helping your child thrive. Many parents in Durban have told us the assessment process itself was a relief, as they finally felt “someone understood my child.” Once we pinpoint what’s going on, we can work together (in therapy sessions or through home strategies) to help your child overcome challenges and reach their full potential. In short, our Paediatric Assessments give you answers and hope – a first step toward unlocking your child’s best possible future.