DCD and Dyspraxia Assessment for Children and Young People
EPIC offers consultant-led assessment for children, young people and young adults with developmental coordination difficulties, also known as DCD or dyspraxia. Our assessments combine medical, occupational therapy and (where needed) physiotherapy input to build a clear picture of motor skills, coordination and everyday functional impact.
What is DCD / Dyspraxia?
Developmental Coordination Disorder, also known as DCD or dyspraxia, is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting gross and/or fine motor skills, balance and coordination. It can have a negative impact on everyday functioning, including educational and recreational activities. DCD and dyspraxia often coexist with other neurodevelopmental differences.
How do we assess for DCD / Dyspraxia?
All assessments for DCD and dyspraxia follow and are informed by the initial assessment with one of our consultants or senior clinicians. This will usually be with our paediatrician or specialist GP, to include a medical history and physical examination. If the initial assessment was with one of our other consultants or senior clinicians, a 30-minute physical examination appointment will also be needed.
Our Occupational Therapist will then perform a Movement Assessment Battery for Children (Movement ABC), or equivalent, and a Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery VMI). If required, our Physiotherapist will also provide assessment of core strength and mobility.
Information on the individual components and what to expect is available from our administration team on request.
What is the outcome?
All of our assessments include a feedback appointment with the consultant or senior clinician to discuss the findings – this is usually with our paediatrician, specialist GP, or our occupational therapist. Recognising and understanding DCD or dyspraxia is important for providing appropriate support, adaptations and interventions where needed. A full written report with recommendations is provided.
How much does it cost?
- DCD / Dyspraxia assessment – £850 to £1,200, dependent on the components needed
Please see our costs explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medical component is usually with our paediatrician or specialist GP, and the motor and coordination components are with our Occupational Therapist. Our Physiotherapist may also be involved where assessment of core strength and mobility is needed.
That’s fine. If your initial assessment was with one of our other consultants or senior clinicians, we’ll arrange a 30-minute physical examination appointment with the paediatrician or specialist GP as part of the DCD / Dyspraxia assessment pathway.
The core tools used by our Occupational Therapist are the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (Movement ABC), or equivalent, and the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery VMI). These are widely used, evidence-based assessments for motor coordination.
Yes – DCD and dyspraxia often coexist with other neurodevelopmental differences such as autism, ADHD or developmental language disorder. Where this is suspected, the initial assessment will help us plan a combined or sequential approach.
Every assessment includes a feedback appointment with the consultant or senior clinician to discuss the findings. You’ll also receive a full written report with personalised recommendations for support, adaptations and interventions.
Related Services
- Initial Assessments – the consultant-led first appointment that all our assessment pathways begin with
- Sensory Processing Assessment – often relevant alongside DCD
- Neurodevelopmental Assessment – see all conditions we assess
- Costs Explained – what’s included in our pricing and why