What Is an Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment?

An Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment examines how a person's cognitive abilities affect their ability to participate safely and independently in everyday activities.

The assessment may explore areas such as:
  • memory
  • attention and concentration
  • executive functioning
  • planning
  • organisation
  • sequencing
  • problem solving
  • judgement
  • processing speed
  • cognitive flexibility
  • insight
  • safety awareness
  • visual perception

The Occupational Therapist then considers how these cognitive abilities influence practical activities.
For example:
  • Can the person remember important appointments?
  • Can they safely prepare a meal?
  • Can they follow a multi-step routine?
  • Can they organise medication?
  • Can they manage household responsibilities?
  • Can they recognise everyday hazards?
  • Can they adapt when something unexpected happens?
  • Can they manage work or study demands?
  • Can they independently participate in the community?
The purpose is to understand the relationship between cognition and everyday function.
What Is Functional Cognition?

Functional cognition describes how a person uses thinking skills while completing real-life activities.

It goes beyond asking whether someone can remember a list of words or complete a paper-based task.
Functional cognition considers how the person:
  • understands information
  • remembers what they need to do
  • starts activities
  • plans tasks
  • completes steps in the correct order
  • notices errors
  • solves problems
  • adapts when something changes
  • makes decisions
  • recognises risks
  • completes activities safely

For Occupational Therapists, this connection between cognition and everyday activity is particularly important.

Someone may perform relatively well during a short cognitive screening but still experience significant difficulty managing complex activities independently.

Alternatively, someone may have difficulty with part of a standardised assessment but have well-developed routines, environmental supports or strategies that allow them to function effectively.

This is why Occupational Therapy considers both assessment findings and real-world performance.
What Is a Functional Cognitive Assessment?

A Functional Cognitive Assessment looks specifically at how cognitive skills affect practical everyday activities.

Rather than assessing cognition in isolation, the Occupational Therapist may observe how someone completes activities involving:
  • planning
  • organisation
  • memory
  • sequencing
  • judgement
  • problem solving
  • safety awareness
  • adapting to unexpected situations

​Activities considered may include:
  • preparing food
  • organising belongings
  • following instructions
  • managing a routine
  • completing household activities
  • planning a community activity
  • managing appointments
  • organising medication
  • completing work or study tasks

Functional cognitive assessment can help identify not only where difficulties occur, but why an activity is becoming difficult and what support may help.

Functional Cognitive Assessment vs Functional Capacity Assessment

These are related but different assessments.

Functional Cognitive Assessment
Focuses specifically on how cognitive abilities affect everyday performance.
This may include:
  • memory
  • attention
  • planning
  • organisation
  • problem solving
  • judgement
  • executive functioning
  • safety awareness

Functional Capacity Assessment
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) looks more broadly at how disability affects functioning across multiple areas of life.
An FCA may consider:
  • mobility
  • communication
  • self-care
  • self-management
  • learning
  • social participation
  • community participation
  • cognition
  • support requirements
A Cognitive Assessment may form part of a broader FCA where cognition is one of several areas affecting function.

Why Are Cognitive Assessments Important?

Cognition is involved in almost every everyday activity.

Difficulties may not always be obvious until the person is required to complete a complex task independently.

A Cognitive Assessment may help identify:
  • functional strengths
  • areas where support may be beneficial
  • difficulties affecting everyday participation
  • safety concerns
  • environmental barriers
  • appropriate therapy goals
  • useful cognitive strategies
  • Assistive Technology needs
  • changes that may improve independence
  • areas requiring further assessment
The aim is not simply to identify cognitive difficulties.

It is to understand what those difficulties mean in everyday life and what can be done to support the person.

What Cognitive Skills May Be Assessed?

The areas assessed depend on the person's age, goals, presentation and reason for referral.
Attention and Concentration

Attention allows us to focus on relevant information while filtering out distractions.

Attention difficulties may affect:
  • following conversations
  • reading
  • following instructions
  • completing household activities
  • studying
  • working
  • completing multi-step tasks
  • participating in busy environments
Different activities place different demands on attention.

Someone may manage well in a quiet environment but find it much harder to concentrate when there is noise, movement or competing information.
Memory

Memory allows us to retain and recall information needed throughout everyday life.

An Occupational Therapist may consider areas such as:
  • short-term memory
  • working memory
  • long-term memory
  • prospective memory

Prospective memory means remembering to do something in the future.
Examples include:
  • remembering an appointment
  • taking medication at the correct time
  • completing a planned task
  • making an important phone call
Memory difficulties can affect routines, safety and independence.
Executive Functioning

Executive functions are higher-level thinking skills used to organise and manage activities.
They may include:
  • planning
  • organisation
  • prioritising
  • sequencing
  • task initiation
  • time management
  • self-monitoring
  • cognitive flexibility
  • problem solving

Executive-function difficulties can affect many areas of everyday life.
For example, someone may know how to cook individual components of a meal but struggle to:
  • decide what to prepare
  • gather what is needed
  • organise several tasks at once
  • manage timing
  • notice mistakes
  • adapt if an ingredient is missing
Occupational Therapy considers how executive functioning works during real activities.
Planning and Organisation

Planning allows us to decide what needs to happen and how to complete it.
Organisation helps us arrange:
  • information
  • belongings
  • activities
  • appointments
  • responsibilities

​Difficulties may appear as:
  • frequently losing items
  • missing appointments
  • starting tasks without finishing them
  • forgetting important steps
  • struggling to manage multiple responsibilities
  • becoming overwhelmed by everyday demands
Sequencing

Sequencing is the ability to complete steps in an appropriate order.
Many everyday activities require sequencing, including:
  • showering
  • dressing
  • cooking
  • laundry
  • using appliances
  • preparing for work
  • following school routines
Sequencing difficulties may result in missed steps, repeated steps or activities being completed in an unsafe order.
Problem Solving

Everyday activities rarely go exactly according to plan.

Problem solving allows a person to recognise a problem and find an appropriate response.
​
An Occupational Therapist may consider what happens when:
  • an expected item is missing
  • transport does not arrive
  • a recipe changes
  • an appliance does not work
  • plans are unexpectedly altered
  • something goes wrong during a daily activity
Judgement and Decision Making

Judgement is important when deciding how to respond safely and appropriately.
This may affect:
  • household safety
  • financial decisions
  • community participation
  • responding to emergencies
  • recognising scams
  • medication routines
  • seeking help when needed
Processing Speed

Processing speed refers to how efficiently someone understands information and responds.
Reduced processing speed may mean a person needs:
  • additional time
  • fewer instructions at once
  • reduced distractions
  • information presented differently
  • more time to complete complex activities
Processing speed can influence school, work, conversations and everyday tasks.
Cognitive Flexibility

Cognitive flexibility allows us to adjust our thinking when circumstances change.
Difficulties may become noticeable when:
  • routines change
  • plans are cancelled
  • something unexpected occurs
  • a familiar strategy stops working
  • several possible solutions need to be considered
Insight and Self-Awareness

Insight involves recognising your own abilities, difficulties and support needs.
Reduced awareness may affect:
  • safety
  • independent living
  • rehabilitation
  • accepting assistance
  • returning to work
  • community participation
An Occupational Therapist may compare how someone describes their ability with what occurs during practical activities.
Visual Perception

Visual perception involves interpreting and making sense of visual information.
Difficulties may affect:
  • finding objects
  • navigating environments
  • reading
  • writing
  • identifying visual information
  • safely completing everyday activities
Visual perception is different from eyesight itself.
A person may have adequate vision but still experience difficulty interpreting visual information.
Safety Awareness

Safe participation requires recognising risks and responding appropriately.
Occupational Therapy may consider safety during:
  • cooking
  • personal care
  • transfers
  • household activities
  • medication routines
  • community access
  • road crossing
  • emergency situations
Where broader environmental safety concerns exist, a dedicated Home Safety Assessment may also be appropriate.

How Cognitive Changes Can Affect Everyday Life

Cognitive difficulties can look very different from one person to another.
Some people experience subtle memory or concentration changes.
Others may have significant difficulties managing everyday tasks without support.
Daily Routines

Daily routines require multiple cognitive skills working together.
Difficulties may include:
  • forgetting appointments
  • missing deadlines
  • losing belongings
  • becoming overwhelmed
  • forgetting parts of a routine
  • difficulty getting started
  • not completing tasks
  • difficulty managing several responsibilities at once
Medication Management

Medication management may require:
  • memory
  • attention
  • planning
  • organisation
  • understanding instructions

Cognitive difficulties may affect the person's ability to:
  • remember medication times
  • organise medications
  • follow dosage instructions
  • recognise missed doses
  • maintain a consistent routine
Medication concerns may also require review by the person's GP, pharmacist or other relevant healthcare professional.
Meal Preparation

Preparing a meal can require:
  • planning
  • sequencing
  • memory
  • attention
  • safety awareness
  • problem solving
  • time management

​An Occupational Therapist may consider whether cognition is affecting:
  • choosing meals
  • following recipes
  • gathering ingredients
  • using appliances
  • timing several components
  • recognising hazards
  • remembering whether appliances have been turned off
Household Activities

Cognition may affect activities such as:
  • cleaning
  • laundry
  • shopping
  • home organisation
  • managing paperwork
  • household maintenance
The Occupational Therapist may explore whether tasks can be simplified or supported using routines, visual prompts or environmental changes.
Managing Finances

Financial management can involve:
  • attention
  • memory
  • numerical information
  • organisation
  • judgement
  • problem solving

Difficulties may include:
  • forgetting bills
  • paying bills more than once
  • losing financial information
  • difficulty budgeting
  • difficulty using online banking
  • increased vulnerability to scams
Financial capacity and legal decision-making are separate matters and may require specialist assessment where relevant.
Work and Study

Cognitive difficulties may affect:
  • concentration
  • organisation
  • remembering instructions
  • managing deadlines
  • task switching
  • time management
  • completing complex tasks
  • maintaining productivity
Occupational Therapy may help identify practical strategies or environmental adjustments that support participation.
Community Participation

Cognition can also influence activities outside the home.
This may include:
  • shopping
  • attending appointments
  • using public transport
  • navigating unfamiliar environments
  • volunteering
  • social activities
  • community access

Who May Benefit From an Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment?

Cognitive Assessments may be useful across different life stages when thinking skills are affecting everyday participation.
Cognitive Assessments for Children

Children may benefit from an Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment where there are concerns about how thinking skills affect:
  • school participation
  • daily routines
  • organisation
  • following instructions
  • working memory
  • planning
  • task initiation
  • completing multi-step activities
  • independence with age-appropriate activities

Cognitive difficulties may occur alongside presentations such as:
  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • developmental differences
  • acquired brain injury
  • neurological conditions

An Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment does not diagnose Autism, ADHD or a learning disorder.

The focus is on how cognition affects everyday participation.
For diagnostic assessment pathways:
Cognitive Assessments for Teenagers

Teenagers face increasing expectations for independence.
Cognitive difficulties may affect:
  • organisation
  • study routines
  • time management
  • remembering responsibilities
  • community access
  • preparing for employment
  • independent living skills
  • transition planning
Assessment can help identify practical strategies that support increasing independence.
Cognitive Assessments for Adults

Adults may benefit from Cognitive Assessment where cognition has changed or affects everyday function.
This may occur following or alongside:
  • stroke
  • Acquired Brain Injury
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • neurological conditions
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson's disease
  • long-term health conditions
  • functional decline

​The focus is on how cognition affects:
  • home life
  • employment
  • relationships
  • community participation
  • routines
  • independence
Cognitive Assessments for Older Adults

Older adults may experience changes in memory, attention, processing speed or executive functioning for many reasons.
Assessment may be useful where there are concerns about:
  • memory
  • medication management
  • meal preparation
  • home safety
  • falls
  • managing appointments
  • independent living
  • community access
  • changes in everyday routines
Occupational Therapy focuses on what cognitive changes mean for everyday function and what practical supports may help the person remain as independent as possible.
Cognitive Assessment After Stroke

Stroke can affect cognitive abilities as well as physical function.
Changes may involve:
  • attention
  • memory
  • processing speed
  • planning
  • problem solving
  • awareness
  • visual perception
  • executive functioning

​These changes may affect activities such as:
  • cooking
  • medication management
  • household routines
  • work
  • community participation
Cognitive Assessment After ABI or TBI

Acquired Brain Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury can affect cognition in different ways.
Someone may experience changes in:
  • attention
  • memory
  • planning
  • impulse control
  • processing speed
  • judgement
  • fatigue
  • self-awareness
The Occupational Therapist can assess how these changes affect practical everyday function.
Cognitive Assessment and Dementia

Occupational Therapists can assess how cognitive changes affect everyday function in people with diagnosed or suspected cognitive impairment.
This may include:
  • memory
  • routines
  • meal preparation
  • medication management
  • home safety
  • personal care
  • community participation
  • independence
An Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment does not diagnose dementia.

Where changes raise concerns about dementia or another medical condition, further assessment by a GP, geriatrician, neurologist or other appropriate medical professional may be recommended.

What Happens During an Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment?

Every assessment is individualised according to the person's goals and reason for referral.
The process may include several components.
1. Background Information

The Occupational Therapist may gather information about:
  • medical history
  • current concerns
  • previous assessments
  • daily routines
  • functional goals
  • home environment
  • school or work
  • support network
  • changes in cognition
  • current services

2. Clinical Interview

The Occupational Therapist will discuss how cognition affects everyday life.
Topics may include:
  • memory
  • concentration
  • organisation
  • safety
  • routines
  • employment
  • education
  • community participation
  • independent living

Where appropriate and with consent, information may also be gathered from:
  • family
  • carers
  • support workers
  • teachers
  • other health professionals

3. Functional Observation

Functional observation is an important part of Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment.
The Occupational Therapist may observe how cognitive abilities affect real activities.
Examples may include:
  • following instructions
  • preparing a simple activity
  • organising items
  • completing a multi-step task
  • problem solving
  • decision making
  • identifying safety concerns
This helps connect cognitive findings with everyday performance.

4. Standardised Cognitive Assessment Tools

Where appropriate, standardised cognitive screening or assessment tools may provide additional information.
The tool selected depends on factors such as:
  • age
  • referral question
  • health condition
  • language
  • cultural background
  • functional goals
  • clinician training
  • assessment environment

Tools may include measures such as:
  • Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
  • Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE)
  • Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS)
  • functional cognitive assessments
  • functional measures
  • task-specific assessments
Not every assessment requires every tool.
A cognitive screening result should also be interpreted alongside the person's history and everyday functioning.
What Is the MoCA?

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment, or MoCA, is a cognitive screening tool used to examine several areas of cognitive functioning.
These may include:
  • attention
  • memory
  • executive functioning
  • language
  • visuospatial skills
  • orientation

The MoCA can provide useful screening information when appropriately selected and administered.
​
However, it is not a diagnosis by itself.
An Occupational Therapist will consider the person's MoCA performance alongside:
  • clinical history
  • functional observations
  • everyday activities
  • other assessment findings
MoCA and Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapists may use the MoCA where it is appropriate to the referral question and within the clinician's training and scope.

The Occupational Therapy perspective is particularly interested in what the findings mean for everyday life.

For example:
If screening identifies memory difficulties, the Occupational Therapist may explore whether the person is:
  • forgetting medication
  • missing appointments
  • leaving appliances on
  • losing important items
  • struggling to maintain routines

If executive-function difficulties are identified, the OT may assess how the person:
  • plans activities
  • organises tasks
  • solves problems
  • manages unexpected situations

​This functional context is essential.
What Is the Difference Between the MoCA and SMMSE?

The MoCA and SMMSE are both cognitive screening tools.
​
They assess overlapping but somewhat different aspects of cognition.
The most appropriate tool depends on:
  • the reason for assessment
  • the person's presentation
  • relevant clinical considerations
  • clinician judgement
Neither tool should be interpreted as a standalone diagnosis.
What Happens After the Assessment?

Following the assessment, the Occupational Therapist may provide a report outlining:
  • functional strengths
  • cognitive findings
  • areas requiring additional support
  • clinical observations
  • standardised assessment findings where relevant
  • impact on everyday activities
  • safety considerations
  • recommendations

​Recommendations may include:
  • cognitive strategies
  • memory supports
  • visual prompts
  • structured routines
  • Assistive Technology
  • environmental modifications
  • therapy
  • support recommendations
  • additional assessments
  • referral to other professionals

Cognitive Strategies Occupational Therapy May Recommend

Strategies depend on the person's strengths, goals and difficulties.
Examples may include:
​
Memory Strategies
  • reminders
  • calendars
  • alarms
  • checklists
  • visual prompts
  • consistent locations for important belongings
  • structured routines

Planning and Organisation
  • weekly planners
  • visual schedules
  • breaking tasks into steps
  • preparation checklists
  • simplifying routines

Executive Function Strategies
  • written task sequences
  • prioritisation systems
  • structured problem-solving
  • environmental prompts
  • reducing competing demands

Environmental Strategies
  • reducing clutter
  • labelling storage
  • simplifying layouts
  • keeping important items visible
  • reducing distractions

Assistive Technology
Technology may sometimes assist with:
  • reminders
  • appointments
  • routines
  • communication
  • safety
  • task organisation
Cognitive Assessment and Activities of Daily Living

Cognitive difficulties often become most noticeable during Activities of Daily Living.
These may include:
  • showering
  • dressing
  • toileting
  • preparing meals
  • medication management
  • household activities
  • shopping
Where a more detailed assessment of everyday independence is required:

Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment vs Psychology Assessment

Occupational Therapy and Psychology assessments can both involve cognition, but the purpose may be different.

Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment
Usually focuses on:
  • functional cognition
  • everyday activities
  • independence
  • routines
  • executive functioning during real activities
  • safety
  • community participation
  • environmental supports
  • practical strategies
The key question is:
How are cognitive abilities affecting everyday function?

Psychology Assessment
Depending on the referral, Psychology assessments may examine areas such as:
  • intellectual functioning
  • cognitive ability
  • academic skills
  • learning profiles
  • neurodevelopmental conditions
  • diagnostic clarification

​At Belong Health, Psychology services are assessment-focused.
Available assessment pathways include:
Can Occupational Therapy and Psychology Assessments Be Used Together?

Yes.
In some situations the assessments answer different but complementary questions.
For example, a Psychology Assessment might help understand:
  • intellectual functioning
  • learning
  • academic skills
  • diagnostic presentation

An Occupational Therapy Assessment may help understand:
  • functional cognition
  • everyday independence
  • daily routines
  • safety
  • community participation
  • practical support needs
Together, this may provide a broader understanding of the person's abilities and support requirements.
Does a Cognitive Assessment Determine Whether Someone Can Drive?

A general Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment may identify cognitive difficulties that could be relevant to driving.

However, it does not automatically determine fitness to drive.

Formal driving assessment requires an appropriate medical and driver-assessment pathway and may involve a suitably qualified Occupational Therapy Driving Assessor.

Where driving safety is a concern, the Occupational Therapist may recommend further assessment.
Cognitive Assessments and the NDIS

For eligible NDIS participants, an Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment may provide information about how disability-related cognitive difficulties affect everyday functioning.
This may include:
  • self-care
  • self-management
  • learning
  • routines
  • community participation
  • decision making
  • safety
  • Assistive Technology
  • support requirements
Where evidence is required across multiple functional domains, a broader Functional Capacity Assessment may be more appropriate.
Cognitive Assessments and Older Adult Support

For older adults, Cognitive Assessment may help clarify how changes in thinking skills affect:
  • ageing at home
  • personal care
  • meal preparation
  • medication routines
  • household activities
  • safety
  • community participation
  • support requirements
Assessment findings can help guide practical strategies and recommendations.

When Might Another Occupational Therapy Assessment Be Helpful?

Depending on the person's goals, other OT assessments may provide additional information.

Functional Capacity Assessment
Useful where functioning needs to be considered broadly across multiple areas of life.
Explore Functional Capacity Assessments →

Activities of Daily Living Assessment
Useful where personal care, household tasks or everyday independence need more detailed assessment.
Explore ADL Assessments →

Home Safety Assessment
Useful where cognition is contributing to concerns about safety in the home.
Explore Home Safety Assessments →

Falls Risk Assessment
Useful where cognition, judgement, mobility and falls risk interact.
Explore Falls Risk Assessments →

Assistive Technology Assessment
Useful where equipment or technology may support independence.
Explore Assistive Technology Assessments →
Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessments in Perth and WA

Belong Health provides Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessments for children, teenagers, adults and older adults, subject to clinician scope, service area and availability.

For adults and older adults, Occupational Therapy services are available across relevant Perth, Rockingham and Joondalup service areas.

For children and teenagers, service locations depend on the relevant paediatric Occupational Therapy service area and clinician availability, including services within the Peel region.

Assessments may take place in settings such as:
  • home
  • school
  • community
  • clinic
  • workplace where appropriate
Telehealth may also be available across Western Australia for suitable components of an assessment where clinically appropriate.

Some cognitive assessments require in-person observation or standardised administration and may therefore not be suitable for completion entirely by telehealth.
Not Sure Which Assessment You Need?

It is not always easy to know whether the right starting point is:
  • Cognitive Assessment
  • Functional Capacity Assessment
  • Activities of Daily Living Assessment
  • Home Safety Assessment
  • Psychology Assessment
  • another Occupational Therapy assessment
You do not need to work this out alone.
Our team can also discuss what you are hoping to understand and help identify an appropriate starting point.
Looking for an Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment?

If memory, attention, planning, organisation, executive functioning or problem solving is affecting everyday activities, an Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment may help identify practical strategies and support needs.

​Contact our friendly team today to discuss your goals and determine the most appropriate assessment pathway.
Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us a message

Free 20-Minute OT Meet & Greet
​Discuss your needs and whether an Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment may be the right starting point
Related Resources

​Occupational Therapy Assessments Psychology Assessments Helpful Resources

Frequently Asked Questions - Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment

What is a Cognitive Assessment?
A Cognitive Assessment examines thinking skills such as memory, attention, executive functioning, problem solving, judgement and processing speed. Occupational Therapy also considers how these abilities affect everyday activities and independence.

Can an Occupational Therapist perform a Cognitive Assessment?
Yes. Occupational Therapists can assess how cognitive abilities affect everyday function using interviews, observation, functional activities and appropriate standardised assessment tools.

What is an Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment?
An Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment examines how thinking skills affect practical activities such as routines, meal preparation, medication management, work, study, household activities and community participation.

What is a Functional Cognitive Assessment?
A Functional Cognitive Assessment examines how a person uses cognitive skills such as memory, planning, organisation and problem solving during real-world activities.

What cognitive skills can an Occupational Therapist assess?
Depending on the referral, assessment may consider attention, memory, executive functioning, planning, organisation, processing speed, judgement, problem solving, visual perception, insight and safety awareness.

What cognitive assessment tools may Occupational Therapists use?
Depending on the person's presentation and referral question, tools may include cognitive screening measures such as the MoCA, SMMSE or RUDAS, alongside functional cognitive assessment, clinical observation and task-based assessment.

What is the MoCA?
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment, or MoCA, is a cognitive screening tool that examines areas such as memory, attention, executive functioning, language and visuospatial skills.

Can an Occupational Therapist administer the MoCA?
An Occupational Therapist may use the MoCA where it is appropriate to the referral, within their training and scope, and suitable for the individual being assessed.

Does the MoCA diagnose dementia?
No. The MoCA is a screening tool and does not provide a standalone diagnosis of dementia. Medical assessment may be required where dementia or another health condition is suspected.

Can Occupational Therapy assess executive functioning?
Yes. Occupational Therapists may assess how executive-function skills such as planning, organisation, sequencing, initiation, problem solving and cognitive flexibility affect everyday activities.

Can Occupational Therapy help with memory problems?
Yes. Where memory difficulties affect everyday function, Occupational Therapy may assess their impact and recommend practical strategies such as reminders, routines, environmental prompts and Assistive Technology.

Can a Cognitive Assessment help after a stroke or brain injury?
Yes. Stroke, ABI and TBI may affect memory, attention, executive functioning, processing speed and other cognitive abilities. Occupational Therapy can assess how these changes affect everyday participation.

Can a Cognitive Assessment diagnose dementia?
Occupational Therapy assessment may identify cognitive and functional changes that warrant further investigation, but Occupational Therapists do not diagnose dementia.

What is the difference between an OT Cognitive Assessment and a Psychology Assessment?
Occupational Therapy primarily focuses on how cognition affects everyday function, independence and participation. Psychology assessments may examine areas such as intellectual functioning, learning, cognitive ability and diagnostic presentation.

Can a Cognitive Assessment support an NDIS participant?
Where cognitive difficulties are related to an eligible participant's disability, assessment may provide information about functional impact, daily living, self-management, learning, safety and support needs. Funding decisions are made by the NDIA.

What happens during a Cognitive Assessment?
The assessment may involve background information, clinical interview, standardised cognitive screening where appropriate, observation of functional activities and consideration of how cognition affects everyday life.

How long does a Cognitive Assessment take?
Assessment length depends on the referral question, complexity and assessments required. Some can be completed within one appointment, while others may require several appointments, observations or report writing.

Will I receive a report?
Where a report forms part of the referral, it may outline assessment findings, functional implications, strengths, support needs and recommendations.

Can a Cognitive Assessment be completed at home?
Yes. Where appropriate and available, completing assessment within the home can provide useful information about how cognition affects the person's actual routines and environment.

Can Cognitive Assessments be completed by Telehealth?
Some parts of a Cognitive Assessment may be suitable for Telehealth. Other components may require in-person observation or standardised administration. Suitability is determined according to the assessment purpose and the individual.

Who can refer for an Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment?
Depending on the service pathway, referrals may come from the individual, family, carers, GPs, specialists, hospitals, Support Coordinators, schools, aged care services or other health professionals.
​Last reviewed: October 2026
This page is reviewed periodically to reflect current evidence, clinical practice and relevant NDIS guidance.

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