Dyspraxia — formally known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) — is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects motor coordination and the ability to plan and carry out movements. It affects approximately 2–5% of school-aged children in the UK, and in many cases difficulties continue into adulthood.

Recognised by the World Health Organisation and diagnosed using internationally agreed criteria (DSM-5), Dyspraxia occurs across all cultures, backgrounds and socioeconomic groups. Importantly, it is not a reflection of intelligence — people with Dyspraxia have a range of strengths and the potential to achieve their goals with the right support.

The terms Dyspraxia and DCD are sometimes used interchangeably. While Dyspraxia is not a formal diagnostic term, it is widely used and respected as a way for people to describe their own experiences.

How can an Occupational Therapist help?

As an occupational therapist with specialist training in DCD assessment — aligned with guidance from the Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT) and the European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD) — OT's are well-placed to provide a thorough, evidence-based screening for Dyspraxia in adults.

Occupational Therapists cannot themselves diagnose. However if you feel you may have Dyspraxia, then an O.T can help you gather evidence required for submission to your GP for further exploration. Formal diagnosis of DCD requires a medical doctor to assess and to rule out other explanations for movement difficulties. 

A diagnosis of DCD cannot be made on the basis of a single test. Best practice requires a triangulation of information from multiple sources.

Standardised assessments used at Neurosense for Adults 

Adult DCD/Dyspraxia Checklist (ADC)

A validated self-report questionnaire covering childhood history and current functioning. Scores identify whether further assessment is indicated. Takes approximately 10–15 minutes.

Beery-Buktenica VMI, 6th Edition

Internationally respected assessment of visual-motor integration, visual perception, and motor coordination using a pencil. Produces standard scores and percentile ranks. Valid from age 2–99. Takes approximately 20–25 minutes.

Sensory Processing Measure-2 (SPM-2) / Sensory Profile

Measures sensory processing patterns across six sensory domains as well as planning, ideas and social participation. Helps identify how sensory differences contribute to daily difficulties. Takes approximately 20–30 minutes.

Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) — Brown & Dunn (2002)

A self-report questionnaire for ages 11 and over, assessing how sensory information is processed across 6 sensory and 3 behavioural domains. Results are presented in a normed quadrant format with frequency categories for each domain. Helps identify sensory processing differences that commonly overlap with and contribute to DCD difficulties in daily life. Scored via Pearson Q-global, generating a detailed summary and pattern analysis.

Diagnostic Interview for DCD in Adults (DIDA) — Kirby, Barnett & Hill (2018)

A structured clinical interview tool providing a systematic process for gathering evidence against DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for DCD in adults. Covers core motor symptoms, their impact on daily life, education, work, relationships and self-confidence, as well as childhood history. Supports identification of "red flags" indicating onward medical referral is needed. Recognised by the Specific Learning Difficulties Assessment Standards Committee (SASC) and freely available as a best-practice tool for adult DCD assessment.

Screening