At CATS we are able to offer comprehensive assessment for Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). In order to meet criteria for this condition children must see a Paediatrician and have a thorough assessment of their motor skills by a suitably qualified professional, usually a specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist.
If you are concerned that your child has significant difficulties with motor skills and may have DCD, we recommend having your initial appointment with a Paediatrician. This paediatric assessment is very important as it ensures that any other possible causes for your child’s motor skill difficulties can be assessed and ruled out. If following this paediatric assessment the Paediatrician feels further assessment is required, they will discuss this with you.
The second part of the assessment is a detailed Occupational Therapy Assessment. It includes both standardised and observation assessment of your child’s gross and fine motor skills and their sensory profile. It takes around 1-1.5 hours and ideally after initial discussion all together it is helpful if the main assessment takes place with just the child in the room. If your child may struggle with this please let us know and we will discuss how best to complete the assessment.
Following the assessment the Occupational Therapist will complete a detailed report for you. It will initially be shared with the Paediatrician who will advise whether your child meets criteria for Developmental Coordination Disorder. Regardless of whether a diagnosis is given, the report will contain lots of recommendations and suggested resources which you can use at home and share with your child’s school.
