Dyspraxia, which is also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a diagnosis that affects someone’s movement, coordination, and planning skills. Evidence base suggests that Dyspraxia is 3 – 4 times more common in males than females, and it is commonly associated with other neurodivergences such as autism and ADHD. Dyspraxia can be diagnosed for a child over 5 years old and can also be assessed into adulthood.
Things you might notice in someone who is Dyspraxic:
- Needs relating to balance and movement
- Harder to learn new skills, thinking and remembering information at school, work and home.
- Some daily living tasks such as dressing or preparing meals take more effort, time and/or concentration.
- Difficulties with grasping or manipulating small objects.
- Challenges with managing emotions.
- Executive functioning needs, such as time management, planning, organising and sequencing.
Assessing Dyspraxia
You can self-refer (or refer your child) to us for an assessment of Dyspraxia. Our assessments process is detailed below:
During the assessment, the team will complete a comprehensive development history. Alongside this they will offer a range of different tools depending on age, other co-occurring needs, and reason for assessment.
Tools we use during the assessment:
- WISC-V: A standardised test used to assess cognitive differences, global developmental delays, or learning disabilities, completed by a clinical psychologist.
- BOT-2: A tool used to assess motor skills in individuals aged 4 to 21, providing valuable insights into their motor development and coordination.
- SPM: The Sensory Processing Measure evaluates sensory processing issues, praxis, and social participation. The SPM-2, suitable for all ages, helps understand an individual’s sensory profile to guide targeted interventions.
- Beery VMI: Our therapists use this standardised test to assess visual-motor integration, identifying difficulties that may affect activities like handwriting and drawing. Suitable for all ages.
- DASH/DASH 17+: Standardised tests to assess handwriting speed and legibility. DASH is for ages 9-16, and DASH 17+ is for ages 17 and older.
Support for Dyspraxia
We don’t look to ‘treat dyspraxia’ however there are things that can help with daily living, for example:
- Physiotherapy to support with improving mobility, balance and movement.
- Occupational Therapy to explore strategies to promote independence and manage everyday tasks, such as writing or preparing food.
- Nursing or Psychology can support with emotional regulation.