Dyspraxia affects up to 6% of people. Practitioner
Psychologists often diagnosed this condition, as do Occupational Therapists,
Physiotherapists and Paediatricians. Like dyslexia, it varies from mild to severe. Our
assessments focus on helping children and adults to overcome the educational,
social, emotional, sensory, physical and workplace implications of this
condition, by providing evidence-based interventions in different areas,
targeted to each individual who has had an assessment. Once diagnosed, most people with dyspraxia can be helped by a programme of exercises.
‘Dyspraxia’ is a diagnostic term that can be helpful as a first step in specifying what an individual’s strengths and learning needs are, what needs to be taught, how it needs to be taught, and for how long.
A diagnostic assessment by an HCPC, BPS Chartered Practitioner Psychologist includes standardised testing of verbal ability, non-verbal ability, motor co-ordination (both gross and fine motor), visual perception, reading, written English, spelling, handwriting speed and letter formation, phonological skills and numeracy (written arithmetic and oral maths problem solving). It is the first step towards planning effective, targeted teaching programmes for the individual that address the complexity of the learner’s needs.
If you would like to discuss an assessment for dyspraxia, please contact us.
Fast facts about Dyspraxia
- Dyspraxia has had many names over the years, such as “Clumsy Child Syndrome” “Minimal Cerebral Dysfunction” and, more recently, “Developmental Co-ordination Disorder”
- Tends to run in families
- Often occurs with dyslexia
- Varies from mild to severe
- Dyspraxics very often have subtle visual processing difficulties and may need to see a behavioural optometrist for special therapy
- The medical diagnosis is a starting point. The educational needs should not be overlooked or ignored
- There are helpful organisations for Dyspraxics, such as www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk. 01462 454986
- The earlier an individual is identified and helped with specialist teaching and/or therapy, the better the outcome
- People usually have to experience failure before they are identified
- Dyspraxic learners have rights as disabled people
- We know a lot about how to teach dyspraxics effectively
- A professional assessment by an HCPC, BPS Chartered Practitioner Psychologist is the first, essential step to moving forward