How do you arrange a Dyspraxia Assessment?
Dyspraxia is a layman’s term for the condition known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). It is a neurological condition that affects motor coordination and planning, making everyday tasks challenging for those who have it. It can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, affecting coordination, planning, and execution of movements. Being dyspraxic can be highly frustrating for an individual, as the problem is ‘the bridge’ between knowing what to do and actually doing it. To understand more about dyspraxia, you may find our blog ‘‘Understanding Dyspraxia‘ interesting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to explain how you arrange a dyspraxia assessment.
1. Recognise the Signs
Before seeking an assessment, it’s essential to be aware of the common signs of dyspraxia. These may include:
- Difficulty with fine and gross motor skills
- Inconsistent performance during motor tasks, especially declining when tired or in new environments
- Ability to learn motor tasks, but requiring a lot more practice than others
- Difficulty to generalise motor skills such as being able to get dressed at home, but having difficulty if there are small changes such as at school or if new clothes with different fasteners are presented
- Challenges planning and carrying out unfamiliar tasks
- Trouble with balance and coordination
- Appearing clumsy
- Issues with spatial awareness
- Difficulty following instructions or maintaining focus
If these signs resonate, it may be time to consider an assessment.
2. Consult Your GP
The first step in organising a dyspraxia assessment is usually to visit your General Practitioner (GP). They can provide an initial evaluation and determine whether a referral to a specialist is necessary. Be prepared to discuss your concerns, including specific challenges faced in daily life.
What to discuss with your GP:
- Detailed observations of symptoms
- Any relevant medical history
- Concerns about academic and occupational performance
- Questions about the assessment process
3. Referral to a Specialist
If your GP agrees that an assessment is warranted, they will refer you to a specialist. The British Medical Association’s Family Doctor Book “Understanding ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia” advises GPs to refer people with Dyspraxia to an Occupational Therapist, who will take a medical and social history, and use a variety of standardised tests including motor skills, handwriting, visual-motor co-ordination and sensory processing.
Other professionals who can also conduct a norm-referenced motor skill assessment, may also be able to assess for dyspraxia such as physiotherapists and educational psychologists. There are certain criteria that needs to be excluded and your GP, or the assessing professional, may require you to also consult with a wider team such as a neurologist, behavioral optometrist or clinical/educational psychologist to rule our other areas of potential concern.
Finding the right professional:
- Ask for recommendations from your GP, local support groups or your SENCO at your child’s school.
- Check credentials and experience related to dyspraxia assessments.
4. Preparing for the assessment
Before the assessment, gather relevant information that may assist the Occupational Therapist, including:
- Educational reports (if applicable)
- Previous medical evaluations
- Personal observations from family, teachers, or employers
- Any interventions already attempted
Considerations:
- Be honest about the difficulties faced
- Bring a list of questions to ask the specialist
5. The assessment process
Dyspraxia assessments typically involve a combination of interviews, questionnaires, and practical tasks. The Occupational Therapist may evaluate:
- Motor skills through activities like drawing or catching a ball
- Cognitive functions, including attention and memory
- Visual perception skills
- Functional skills such as writing, typing, and/or dressing
- Social and emotional aspects related to the condition
- Sensory processing
The above assessment tools will aim to support the clinician to decide whether or not a child/young person meets the DSM-5 Criteria for Developmental Coordination Disorder. The DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing DCD (which encompasses dyspraxia) are:
A. Marked impairment in the development of motor coordination
B. Motor coordination difficulties
C. Symptoms are early onset
D. Interference with daily activities
6. Duration and environment:
- The assessment may last anywhere from one to several hours, depending on the individual’s needs
- It’s should take place in a relaxed environment to reduce anxiety
7. Understanding the results
Once the assessment is complete, the Occupational Therapist will provide feedback, either via a report and/or verbally. This may include:
- Outcome of the assessment which may include a formal diagnosis (if applicable)
- Recommendations for support and interventions
- Strategies for managing symptoms in daily life
- Onward referrals to exclude neurological, visual or cognitive concerns that were identified during assessment
8. Accessing support
If diagnosed with dyspraxia, various support options are available:
- Educational support: This is usually via the school special educational needs coordinator (SENCO).
- Occupational therapy: A therapist can provide practical strategies to improve daily functioning.
- Support groups: Connecting with others who have dyspraxia can provide valuable insights and emotional support.
- Online specialist resources: These should be provided if a diagnosis is part of the outcome of the assessment.
The Gesher Assessment Centre provides private dyspraxia assessments for children, adolescents and young adults. Our experienced Occupational Therapist conducts assessments with the support of our wider multi-disciplinary team.
Further information: