What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a comprehensive evaluation carried out by an Occupational Therapist that looks at how a child or young person functions in everyday life: at home, at school, and in the community. Rather than focusing only on a diagnosis, an FCA examines what the child can do, where they stretch themselves, and where they may need support.
A Functional Capacity Assessment provides a clear and individualised foundation for planning supports, therapy, and interventions that genuinely reflect a child’s life and goals. At a practical level, it can be used to:
- Inform therapeutic and support planning, including tailored Occupational Therapy, allied health supports, assistive technology, and environmental modifications (e.g. sensory supports, adaptive equipment) that align with the child’s functional profile.
- Help families, caregivers, schools and support networks understand what a child does well, and where they may need support — offering clarity and direction.
- Support applications or reviews under funding schemes (such as National Disability Insurance Scheme — NDIS), by providing evidence-based documentation of functional needs and justification for supports.
- Establish a baseline of functional abilities, which helps track progress over time as the child grows or as their needs change. This also supports capacity-building and promotes long-term planning.
