Dyspraxia assessment (developmental co-ordination disorder): what to expect in the UK

Dyspraxia is a difference in the way the brain plans and carries out movement. The NHS describes developmental co-ordination disorder as a condition affecting physical co-ordination that causes a child to perform less well than expected in daily activities for their age and to appear to move clumsily, and notes that it often causes continued problems into adulthood. In adults the NHS says the main symptoms are difficulty with movement (motor skills), balance and spatial awareness, which may lead to bumping into things, falling over and dropping things.

An assessment aims to answer three questions. Are your movement and co-ordination skills significantly below what is expected for your age? Do the difficulties interfere with everyday life, such as study, work, self-care or leisure? And are they better explained by something else, such as a medical or neurological condition? That last question matters because the NHS notes that the symptoms of dyspraxia can also be caused by a stroke, head injury or another neurological condition.

For adults, the NHS says a GP who thinks you might have dyspraxia will ask about your symptoms and how they affect you, and may also consider other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. The GP may refer you to a specialist, such as an occupational therapist, who can assess you and give you practical advice about managing your symptoms. It adds that the services you can get may depend on what is available in your area.

For children, the NHS says to talk to a GP or health visitor, or to a nurse, doctor or special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) at school. They may refer the child to an occupational therapist, paediatrician or other health professional who can assess them and identify any developmental problems. Teachers can provide useful observations of how a child manages handwriting, PE and classroom tasks.

The NHS says the services you can get may depend on what is available in your area, so ask what the local pathway is and how long the wait is likely to be.

The NHS says that if you are referred to a specialist, they may ask about the history of your symptoms, for example how your symptoms affected you as a child, ask how your symptoms affect your everyday life, and look at your movements, balance and co-ordination. They may also want to talk to someone who knows you well, such as a family member, employer or teacher.

In practice this may include a structured interview, questionnaires about daily living skills and standardised tests of co-ordination such as manual dexterity and balance, with handwriting, typing, driving, organisation and planning covered for adults. The exact tools vary between services. The assessor may also check for signs of other developmental conditions, because the NHS says people with dyspraxia may also have conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism, anxiety and depression, and they overlap often enough that a broader look is sensible.

It helps to prepare. The NHS suggests keeping a diary of your symptoms so you can describe how dyspraxia affects your life. Bring school reports, old assessments and examples of difficulties at work, for example tasks that take much longer than for colleagues.

The NHS notes that you may choose to pay for a private dyspraxia assessment rather than have it on the NHS. A private assessment may be quicker, which can matter if you need evidence for a university or workplace. Check the qualifications and experience of the professional, and that they will provide a written report.

Be careful to check what the report can and cannot be used for. Workplaces and universities generally accept a report from a qualified professional, but the funding bodies and services involved may have their own requirements, so ask them before paying. It is also worth telling your GP, so the diagnosis is recorded in your health record.

The NHS says there is no cure for dyspraxia but it can be managed in different ways. For adults it lists support at work, college or university through reasonable adjustments, such as a quiet workspace, written instructions as well as spoken instructions and extra time to read documents or complete work. Physiotherapy can help improve balance, co-ordination, strength and posture, occupational therapy can help find practical ways to manage tasks at home or at work, and talking therapies such as CBT or mindfulness may be recommended. Exercise can improve mood and self-esteem and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

For children, the NHS says therapies include being taught ways to do activities they find difficult, such as breaking down movements into smaller parts and practising them regularly, and adapting tasks, for example using special grips on pens. It adds that DCD does not affect how intelligent a child is but can make learning harder, and that treatment is tailored to the child and usually involves several professionals working together.

The NHS also points to the Access to Work scheme, which offers money towards things like travel costs, specialist equipment or mental health support, and Disabled Students' Allowance for students.

See a GP if you think you have dyspraxia and it is affecting your home life, work or studies. The NHS also says to see a GP if your movement has changed or got worse, which can point to a different cause that needs investigation, such as a neurological condition. Sudden weakness, loss of balance, speech changes, severe headache or confusion need emergency care, so call 999.

For a child, speak to a GP, health visitor or school SENCO if you are concerned about their development.