Our Assessment Methodology.

Once we receive a referral, we send a structured intake pack: participant background, diagnosed conditions, current supports, NDIS plan extracts, any prior assessments or specialist reports, and the participant's own functional history written in their own words (or written with support if appropriate). We review every document before the assessment so the clinician's time with the participant is spent on functional observation, not documentation chasing.

The assessment is conducted via secure video by an AHPRA-registered Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist. Where appropriate, a support person, family member or Support Coordinator joins for context and continuity of support. We structure the interview around all eight NDIS functional domains: mobility, self-care, self-management, communication, social and community participation, learning and employment, domestic life, and health and wellbeing. Functional tasks are observed live where the participant's environment allows — gait observation through the camera, transfer demonstration, meal preparation set-up, communication exchanges with support people.

Every adult assessment includes the WHODAS 2.0 for global functioning. Every paediatric and adolescent assessment includes the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales-3. Brain injury participants are additionally screened with the Mayo Portland Adaptability Inventory. Complex care contexts use the Care and Needs Scale (CANS). Condition-specific tools are added where relevant (e.g. PEDI-CAT for children with physical disability, COPM for OT-led assessments). Standardised scoring anchors every recommendation in defensible evidence, not subjective opinion.

Recommendations are only included when they are supported by at least two independent evidence sources: the participant's self-report, our direct observation, and collateral evidence from family, support workers, prior reports or treating clinicians. Where evidence diverges, we say so explicitly in the report — single-source claims that can't be triangulated are described as such, not presented as fact. This is the discipline that separates defensible reports from inflated ones.

Every draft report is read by a second AHPRA-registered clinician before delivery. Peer review checks for: internal contradictions (recommendations that don't follow the evidence), evidence-recommendation gaps (recommendations stronger than the evidence supports), missing NDIS Act mapping, and clarity for the non-clinical NDIA delegate audience. Reports are revised based on peer feedback before the participant or referrer ever sees them.

Every FCA is delivered as a final PDF report (15–35 pages typical), a one-page executive summary suitable for Support Coordinator handover, and where requested, a costed Roster of Care for SIL contexts. The PDF is yours to use directly with the NDIA, share with treating clinicians, or include in AAT submissions.