Dyspraxia Diagnosis: Multidisciplinary Assessment Steps

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD/dyspraxia) diagnosis requires a comprehensive, team-based approach:

1. Initial referral: Parent/teacher concerns → pediatrician/GP.
2. Developmental history: Motor milestones, speech, ADLs, academic/social impact.
3. Physical/neurological exam: Rule out CP, muscular dystrophy, other neurological conditions.
4. Standardized motor assessment: MABC-2, BOT-2, DCDQ, or similar.
5. Occupational therapy evaluation: Fine/gross motor, sensory processing, self-care, school tasks.
6. Psychological/educational assessment: Cognitive profile, learning disabilities, attention, emotional health.
7. Differential diagnosis: Exclude ASD, ADHD, intellectual disability, visual impairment.
8. Team consensus: Multidisciplinary meeting to confirm DCD diagnosis (DSM-5/ICD-11 criteria).
9. Family involvement: Goals, priorities, cultural context.
10. Individualized intervention plan: OT, PT, school accommodations, parent coaching.

Early identification (age 5+) enables timely support. Process varies by healthcare system and specialist availability.