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Decision guide

Assessment, therapy and medical care: what is the difference?

Understand why developmental paediatrics, psychology, speech therapy, occupational therapy and special education are different but may work together.

Reviewed 2026-10-30 · General information only
Illustration of planning questions before choosing child care
What this guide helps with

Use it to prepare questions, understand the service pathway and decide what to confirm with a provider.

What to know

A medical assessment considers health, development and possible contributing conditions. A discipline-specific assessment looks at an area such as communication, participation, movement or learning. Therapy is an ongoing intervention plan, while special or remedial education focuses on learning support. One provider may offer several of these services, but a category label does not prove that a particular branch currently has every professional available. Ask who will assess the child, what the next step produces, whether a referral is needed and how progress is reviewed.

Questions to take to the provider

  • Does this specific branch currently provide the service?
  • Which professional will assess or support the child, and what are their credentials?
  • Is a referral, appointment or prior report required?
  • What should the family bring, and how will the next step be explained?

Continue to relevant care

Find Developmental paediatricsFind Speech and language therapyFind Occupational therapyFind Child psychologyFind Special or remedial education

Limitations

This guide cannot determine which professional, assessment or treatment is appropriate for an individual child. Confirm branch services and current availability directly with the provider.