supporting children, families and adults with dyspraxia

Q: How may a diagnosis of Dyspraxia be obtained?

If a child is causing concern in any areas showing immaturity in planning and organising movement or problems or delays in speech and language, the further investigation and recognition of the child’s needs will allow the child to receive appropriate intervention and support to help achieve their potential. Recognition and intervention at an early stage enables peer acceptance and coping strategies which support the Dyspraxic child throughout education and beyond. If the child is at pre-school level then a consultation with a GP or Health Visitor can result in a referral to a Paediatrician or a multi-disciplinary team in a child development unit. Child development teams make assessments to determine the child’s needs and provide appropriate advice and /or therapy. Detection of problems often occurs in the school age child. Parents can discuss their concerns with their child’s teacher or the school special needs co-ordinator, the school nurse, school doctor or GP. These people can make referrals to appropriate services within the area for assessment, for example to a Paediatrician, hospital or community based therapy team, educational psychologists or child and family support teams. In adulthood if further diagnosis or intervention support is required, then a GP may refer to appropriate services such as therapists, consultant psychologists or neurologists.