Dyspraxia
DCD is the medical term for Dyspraxia. In essence, DCD means difficulty in planning, organising or executing movements, in the absence of neurological or intellectual impairment. DCD is a common neurodevelopment disorder. Approximately 3-4% of children may qualify for the diagnosis of DCD. Check my blog on Warning signs of Dyspraxia to understand the common warning signs and to know how it is diagnosed.
- Medically known as ‘Developmental Coordination Disorder or DCD’
- Difficulty with buttoning/unbuttoning, zips, getting ready
- Left–right confusion, wear clothes inside out/back to front
- Messy eating, prefers to eat with hands
- Slow and immature handwriting, despite practice
- Poor ball catching and throwing skills
- Some use left and right hand interchangeably
- Clumsy with running and team sports
- Shy from sports or physical activity
- Significant emotional and behavioural problems
- Physical complaints to avoid work e.g. hands ache with writing
- Can lead to being tearful, anxious, depressed, isolated, withdrawn
- Has impact on learning, achievement, relationships
- Hassle-free and easy to book appointments
- No waiting list to worry about
- Comprehensive and evidence-based assessments
- Choice of dates with appointments for convenience
- Detailed diagnostic report that can help you in getting the right help, support and services
- Early intervention means better outcomes for your child
- I review reports from school
- Carry out an DCD-specific developmental and family history
- Observe/elicit DCD specific behaviours and difficulties through play-based tests
- Neurodevelopmental assessment for children under 8 years
- Carry out full physical examination including neurology, to rule out medical problem
- Growth assessment
- Inspect for associated conditions if any e.g. ADHD, Dyslexia, ASD
- Review information from tests
- Build a picture of your child’s strengths, weaknesses and needs
- Provide you with a clear diagnostic report confirming or ruling out Dyspraxia/DCD
- Offer you information about local and national sources of support and information
- Give you DCD-specific strategies
- Supply you with necessary interventions and adaptations
- Advice regarding an Occupational Therapy review, when required
- You could use medical report e.g. to gain extra support at school, claim allowances
- You will feel empowered to enable your child from this holistic assessment and action plan
- Present you with an option for follow-up, if required