What is a Functional Capacity Assessment? 

  

A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) helps the NDIS understand your child’s abilities, challenges, and support needs in everyday life. It looks at both strengths and areas of difficulty so that recommendations are practical, meaningful, and linked to your child’s NDIS plan. 

 

 

Key Areas We Explore 

Through a combination of parent/carer interview, standardised questionnaires, and a session with your child, we explore: 

• Communication – how your child expresses themselves and understands others 

• Learning & Attention – skills for learning and participating in education 

• Movement & Motor Skills – coordination, strength and everyday physical skills 

• Social Interaction – making friends, getting along with others and social problem solving 

• Self-Care – including how they are managing tasks such as dressing, toileting and personal hygiene.  

• Developing independence – how your child is developing their ability to do things on their own and help at home.  

• Emotional Awareness & Self-Regulation – how your child is developing an understanding of managing and regulating their feelings, energy, and behaviour in different situations.  

• Life Activities & Developing Independence – managing schoolwork, routines, responsibilities 

• Participation in the Community – joining in community life, hobbies, family and social activities. 

 

  

Why Parent/Carer Input Matters 

Families know their child best. Your insights help us understand your child’s participation in daily routines and what supports work well. You may be asked to complete questionnaires such as the Vineland, WHO-DAS or PEDI-CAT, Sensory Profile or carer wellbeing scales. 

  

Please click here to see our assessment page for details 

 

 

The Assessment Process 

• 60-minute parent/carer consultation to gather background information, strengths, challenges and establish you and your child’s goals 

• Parent/carer questionnaires to provide further input about your child's participation in everyday life — for example, at home, school/kinder and in the community 

• Up to a 90-minute session with your child - This may include assessment to observe their movement skills, drawing and handwriting, play, social skills, attention, communication and problem-solving skills. 

• Report writing (5–6 hours) to analyse findings and link them to NDIS eligibility criteria 

 

 

Assessment & Report Writing Timelines

We require 6 weeks’ notice to complete the assessments and report writing.  

  

  

What You Receive 

You will receive a comprehensive report that includes: 

• Background information and your child’s developmental profile 

• Description of strengths and underlying challenges (impairments) 

• Functional capacity in everyday activities 

• Suggested goals based on your priorities 

• Recommendations for therapy, supports, or assistive technology 

• Where appropriate, recommendations for carer supports 

  

This report can be shared with the NDIS, your child’s school/kinder, or other professionals. We will also meet with you to explain the recommendations and discuss next steps. 

  

Why It Matters for the NDIS 

The FCA provides evidence the NDIS needs to decide on “reasonable and necessary” supports. It ensures funding requests are clearly linked to your child’s everyday needs, while highlighting the strengths that can be built upon.