Children with suspected DCD are usually assessed using a method called the Movement ABC, which involves tests of: gross motor skills – their ability to use large muscles that co-ordinate significant body movements, such as moving around, jumping and balancing.
Occupational therapists contribute to the diagnosis of dyspraxia/DCD by: Gathering information demonstrating the effect that movement difficulties have on a person's life. Carrying out a standardised assessment of a person's movement abilities.
The Dyspraxia Assessment is an assessment tool used by occupational therapists to evaluate if the child has symptoms that relate to a condition called Dyspraxia and how dyspraxia is impacting upon your child's function in relation to activities completed both at school and at home.
As part of the Dyspraxia Assessment, the expert psychologist will examine spacing, alignment, pencil control, painting, movements involving the coordination of small muscles by the eyes, finger painting posture, the grip of pencils and objects, and posture during handwriting.
Occupational Therapists regard dyspraxia as falling under the umbrella of DCD. The child with dyspraxia usually achieves motor milestones at appropriate ages but then has difficulty with more complex tasks eg buttoning and fastening zippers.
Evaluating Dysgraphia
An Occupational Therapist can evaluate the fine motor problems, but for the purposes of identification for school services and accommodations, an evaluation by a licensed psychologist or a certified school psychologist is needed.
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a common disorder affecting fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. This condition is formally recognised by international organisations including the World Health Organisation.
Occupational therapy for Dyspraxia may focus on: Adaptations to equipment to help the individual carry out daily tasks more effectively e.g. getting dressed, writing and using the computer. Specific exercises and strategies to help and support the individual with everyday tasks.
Diagnosing DCD
Health professionals diagnose DCD by looking at your child's movement skills and how these skills affect your child's everyday life. They might also do a general health check to rule out other causes for your child's movement problems.
Difficulties with running, jumping and hopping compared to their peers. Takes longer to initiate movement when presented with a new task as they need time to process and plan (e.g. require a longer exposure to a new activity in order to learn it). May seem accident prone (e.g. trip frequently, bump into things).
OTs check their client's physical, cognitive and emotional abilities and explore any assistive devices, social supports and environmental setups they have or need.
Fundamentally, autism is a disorder that affects socialization and communication, while dyspraxia affects motor skills and physical coordination. While coinciding symptoms aren't uncommon, the two are considered distinct disorders.
Although signs of the condition are present from an early age, children vary widely in their rate of development. This means a definite diagnosis of DCD does not usually happen until a child with the condition is 5 years old or more.
The Sensory assessment is an assessment that can take place in clinic, at home or in school. It will be completed by an occupational therapist through an observation of the behaviours and movements the child shows in relation to the sensory input they are receiving.
Currently the standardised assessment tool used to diagnose Sensory Processing Disorder is the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests. This consists of 17 tests that are used to test several aspects of sensory processing.
Children with suspected DCD are usually assessed using a method called the Movement ABC, which involves tests of: gross motor skills – their ability to use large muscles that co-ordinate significant body movements, such as moving around, jumping and balancing.
For children under 7 in Australia, a formal diagnosis of DCD can form the basis for an Early Child Early Intervention Plan with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Funding through this plan may assist with the necessary therapy.
The work of Dr. Jean Ayres and subsequent researchers suggests that Developmental Dyspraxia most commonly has a sensory-based underlying cause. It is a sensory processing disorder involving those sensory systems that provide us basic information about our bodies.
They do a treatment called “sensory integration therapy.” The idea is that kids with sensory issues have too much or too little stimulation through their senses. Using different techniques, the OT tries to help kids feel more comfortable. First, the OT observes the child and talks to caregivers.
Dyspraxia is not something a child will grow out of, but occupational, motor and speech therapy can make a difference. In addition, simply listening to your child and helping him or her process emotions experienced over the course of the day can be helpful.
being slow to pick up new skills – they need encouragement and repetition to help them learn. difficulty making friends – they may avoid taking part in team games and may be bullied for being "different" or clumsy. behaviour problems – often stemming from a child's frustration with their symptoms. low self-esteem.
Research suggests that: Around 50% of people with dyspraxia/DCD also have ADHD. Around 10% of people with dyspraxia/DCD show signs of autism while around 80% of children with autism have movement difficulties consistent with a diagnosis of dyspraxia/DCD.
Tend to get stressed, depressed and anxious easily. May have difficulty sleeping. Prone to low self-esteem, emotional outbursts, phobias, fears, obsessions, compulsions and addictive behaviour.