Below are the criterion that needs to be applied for a diagnosis of DCD/Dyspraxia.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Developmental Coordination Disorder:
A. The acquisition and execution of coordinated motor skills is substantially below that expected given the individual’s chronological age and opportunity for skill learning and use. Difficulties are manifested as clumsiness (e.g., dropping or bumping into objects) as well as slowness and inaccuracy of performance of motor skills (e.g., catching an object, using scissors or cutlery, handwriting, riding a bike, or participating in sports).
B. The motor skills deficit in Criterion A significantly and persistently interferes with activities of daily living appropriate to chronological age (e.g., self-care and self-maintenance) and impacts academic/school productivity, prevocational and vocational activities, leisure, and play.
C. Onset of symptoms is in the early developmental period.
D. The motor skills deficits are not better explained by intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder) or visual impairment and are not attributable to a neurological condition affecting movement (e.g., cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, degenerative disorder).
Criterion A, B,and C can be determined through an occupational therapy assessment. A standardised movement assessment usually HAS to be undertaken in order to establish whether a child’s movement and coordination skills are at variance with their peers.
Criterion D has to be established by a medical doctor to exclude any other neurological issues. If your child has not seen a medical doctor then the Occupational Therapist will refer on if you feel a diagnosis is important for your child.
Typically a diagnosis would not be given if:
Not all children who are clumsy/uncoordinated will meet the diagnostic