Standardised Assessments in Occupational Therapy: Supporting NDIS Outcomes with WHODAS and PEDI-CAT

When it comes to understanding a person’s functional needs under the NDIS, evidence matters—and that’s where standardised assessments come in. At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, our occupational therapists use evidence-based tools like the WHODAS and PEDI-CAT to help inform NDIS reports, justify funding, and guide meaningful goal setting.

If you’re an NDIS participant, family member, or support coordinator in the Shoalhaven or Illawarra, here’s how these tools help us deliver targeted, goal-driven support.

What Are Standardised Assessments?

Standardised assessments are formal tools used to measure how a person functions in everyday life. They:

• Provide objective, measurable data

• Help therapists identify strengths and challenges

• Track progress over time

• Justify the need for funding, supports, or therapy

• Support consistency and credibility in NDIS reporting

Unlike general observation or informal checklists, these tools are backed by research and provide consistent results across different therapists and settings.

WHODAS: World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule

The WHODAS 2.0 is a widely recognised assessment used to measure functioning across six areas:

1. Cognition (understanding, communication)

2. Mobility (moving around)

3. Self-care (hygiene, dressing, eating)

4. Getting along with others (relationships)

5. Life activities (household, school, or work tasks)

6. Participation in society

The WHODAS is suitable for teens and adults, and is often used for:

• NDIS functional capacity assessments

• Psychosocial disability and mental health clients

• Justifying the need for Core or Capacity Building supports

• Preparing for plan reviews and change of circumstances

PEDI-CAT: Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (Computer Adaptive Test)

The PEDI-CAT is a valuable tool for children and adolescents (ages 0–20) and assesses:

• Daily Activities (e.g. dressing, bathing, mealtime skills)

• Mobility (e.g. walking, transferring, navigating environments)

• Social/Cognitive (e.g. communication, play, problem-solving)

• Responsibility (e.g. managing tasks, asking for help, independence)

It’s especially useful for:

• Tracking development and delays

• Justifying therapy or assistive technology

• Supporting early intervention and school-aged clients

• Monitoring progress across plan periods

Why We Use These Tools in NDIS Reporting

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, we include standardised assessments in many of our:

• Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA)

• AT applications and justification reports

• School readiness assessments

• Plan review or reassessment documentation

They strengthen reports with objective data, support funding requests with clear evidence, and help families understand their child’s or loved one’s abilities in everyday terms.

Our Service Areas

We offer OT assessments using WHODAS, PEDI-CAT, and more at:

• Shoalhaven OT – Nowra

• Shellharbour OT – Illawarra

• In-home visits and telehealth across regional areas

Let’s Make Every Report Count

If you need a functional assessment, progress report, or therapy plan for an upcoming NDIS review, contact South Coast Therapy & Support Group today. We’ll make sure your supports are backed by evidence, delivered with care, and aligned with your NDIS goals.