Introduction:
When a child struggles to zip a jacket, sit still during class, or play without frustration, it’s rarely “just a phase.” Behind those everyday challenges might be subtle sensory, motor, or cognitive gaps that deserve more than generic reassurance. At Belief Shaping Therapies, Dubai, we don’t just test, we decode. Our assessments act as a blueprint, helping families and therapists understand the underlying causes and build meaningful progress, one skill at a time.
This guide strips away jargon and gives you real insight into how occupational therapy (OT) assessments work, what they uncover, and why the right evaluation can change a child’s day-to-day reality.
What Makes an OT Assessment Actually Useful?
Not every child with delays needs therapy but every child with unexplained difficulties deserves clarity. An effective OT assessment doesn’t aim to label; it helps us pinpoint the root of what’s holding a child back.
Done right, OT evaluations:
- Reveal gaps in motor planning, attention, or sensory integration
- Identify hidden stressors that impact emotional regulation
- Map how a child approaches learning, play, and transitions
- Spot inconsistencies between what a child can do and how they function in daily life
Assessments We Trust and Why
At our therapy centre in Bur Dubai, we use tools that go beyond ticking boxes. They help us observe, challenge, and understand how a child really functions. Here’s a breakdown of our go-to assessments, and what each one uniquely uncovers:
Quick Guide: What Each Assessment Really Tells Us
| Assessment Name | What It Helps Identify | Useful When You See… |
| PDMS-2 | Core motor development delays | Awkward walking, delayed crawling, poor grip |
| BOT-2 | Fine and gross motor integration | Clumsiness, PE struggles, difficulty with fast tasks |
| Sensory Profile | Sensory processing issues | Resistance to textures, loud sounds, crowded spaces |
| Beery VMI | Visual-motor coordination | Handwriting issues, copying shapes or forms poorly |
| DTVP-3 | Visual-perceptual processing | Difficulty with puzzles, spacing, reading alignment |
| Play Observation | Functional interaction skills | Emotional outbursts, poor peer play, zoning out |
Why This Matters for Progress
Here’s the thing: therapy without insight is just trial-and-error. A child may improve, but without knowing why they’re struggling, we risk missing the mark.
A precise OT assessment ensures we:
- Set the right starting point
- Focus on what matters most to the child and family
- Track progress in real outcomes (e.g., better sleep, smoother mornings, calmer transitions)
- Avoid burnout for both parents and therapists
How We Do It Differently at Belief Shaping Therapies, Bur Dubai
We don’t do cookie-cutter care. Our Bur Dubai therapists work closely with parents to decode assessment findings and build a roadmap that’s as individual as your child. We pair data from the assessments with what you observe at home because no form or graph can replace a parent’s insight.
We focus on:
- Personalised goal setting
- Functional improvements, not just skills for reports
- Frequent review and realignment of therapy plans
- Cross-specialty coordination (SLP, OT, behavioral support)
Ready to Get Clarity? Let’s Talk.
If you’re in Bur Dubai and you suspect your child is struggling with daily tasks, sensory sensitivities, or learning-related challenges don’t wait. Let us help you decode what’s going on through clear, respectful, evidence-backed assessment.
Book an OT evaluation with Belief Shaping Therapies today.