Functional assessment

An assessment of how your disability affects everyday activities, used to understand the support you need.

What it means

A functional assessment looks at how a person's disability affects their ability to do everyday activities. Rather than focusing only on a diagnosis, it considers what a person can do and where they need support, in areas such as communicating, moving around, self-care and learning.

This focus on functional capacity is important because two people with the same diagnosis can be affected in very different ways. By looking at daily life, a functional assessment helps build a fuller picture of the support a person needs to take part in the things that matter to them.

In practice

Information for a functional assessment often comes from the person themselves, as well as from treating professionals who know them, such as doctors, therapists or specialists. Family members or carers may also share what they see day to day. Together, this builds a rounded view of how the person manages different activities.

The assessment might look at things like how someone communicates their needs, moves around their home and community, manages personal care, or learns new skills. The aim is to understand both strengths and challenges. This information can then help guide decisions about the supports a person may need. If you are preparing for a functional assessment, it can help to think about the everyday tasks you find difficult and gather any relevant reports from your treating professionals.

A real example

For example, Marcus has a condition that affects his mobility and daily routines. During a functional assessment, the assessor looked at how he managed tasks like getting dressed, preparing meals and getting around his home. Marcus described the parts of the day he found hardest, and his physiotherapist provided a report, which together gave a clear picture of the support he needed.

Functional assessment — FAQs

What does a functional assessment look at?
A functional assessment looks at how your disability affects your ability to do everyday activities. It focuses on areas such as communicating, moving around, self-care and learning. Rather than looking only at your diagnosis, it considers what you can do and where you need support. The aim is to build a clear picture of the everyday support you need.
How is a functional assessment different from a diagnosis?
A diagnosis names a condition, while a functional assessment looks at how that condition affects your daily life. Two people with the same diagnosis can be affected very differently, so the assessment focuses on functional capacity, meaning what you can do and where you need support. This helps build a fuller picture of your support needs than a diagnosis alone can provide.
Where does the information for a functional assessment come from?
Information often comes from you, the person being assessed, as well as from treating professionals who know you, such as doctors, therapists or specialists. Family members or carers may also share what they see day to day. Bringing these views together helps build a rounded picture of how you manage different everyday activities and where support would help.
How can I prepare for a functional assessment?
It can help to think about the everyday tasks you find difficult, such as personal care, getting around, communicating or learning new things. Gathering any relevant reports from your treating professionals can also be useful. Being honest about the parts of daily life you find hardest, including on your tougher days, helps the assessment reflect your real support needs.
Why is a functional assessment important?
A functional assessment helps build a clear picture of how your disability affects your everyday life and the support you need. Because it focuses on daily activities rather than diagnosis alone, it can capture your individual situation more fully. This information can then help guide decisions about the supports that would help you take part in the things that matter to you.

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