Occupational Therapy for Dyspraxia and Developmental Coordination Disorder
Dyspraxia (also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder, or DCD) affects a child's ability to plan and execute motor tasks. For children, this means everyday physical activities: getting dressed, handwriting, sport, using scissors, and navigating the school environment can all be significantly more effortful than for their peers. OT provides both formal assessment and practical support.
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What Dyspraxia / DCD means for children
DCD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting motor planning and coordination. It is not caused by intellectual disability, visual impairment, or neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy. Children with DCD often appear clumsy, have difficulty learning new motor skills, and struggle with tasks that require fine or gross motor coordination. Handwriting is frequently affected, as are self-care tasks, sport, and the organisational demands of daily school life. DCD is common, affecting approximately 5 to 6% of school-age children, but is often underdiagnosed, particularly in children whose difficulties are attributed to effort or attitude.
What occupational therapy does for children with Dyspraxia / DCD
Motor assessment and diagnosis
OT uses standardised assessment tools to assess motor coordination and identify whether difficulties meet criteria for DCD. A formal assessment and report is the foundation for school accommodations, reasonable accommodation applications, and further professional support.
Handwriting
Handwriting is frequently affected in children with DCD. OT assesses the specific components of handwriting difficulty and provides recommendations for skill development, written work reduction, and assistive technology such as a laptop or iPad where appropriate.
Motor planning and coordination
OT uses task-oriented and motor learning approaches to build motor planning skills. Goal-setting is collaborative, focused on the specific activities that matter to the child, whether sport, art, or daily tasks.
Self-care and daily living
Getting dressed, managing buttons and laces, using cutlery, and maintaining personal organisation can all be more difficult for children with DCD. OT provides practical strategies, adaptive equipment recommendations, and structured practice.
Organisation and executive function
Many children with DCD also have difficulties with sequencing, planning, and organisation. OT addresses these as part of the functional picture, providing strategies for home and school.
When to consider an OT assessment
Your child appears consistently clumsier than peers of the same age
Learning to ride a bike, swim, or catch a ball is significantly more difficult than expected
Handwriting is slow, illegible, or physically tiring for your child
Getting dressed, using scissors, or managing fasteners takes much longer than expected
Your child avoids physical activities or sport due to difficulty and embarrassment
Teachers have raised concerns about motor skills, handwriting, or physical coordination
Relevant services for Dyspraxia / DCD
Not sure which service is right for your child? Email us and we'll advise.
Initial Assessment and Report
€800Comprehensive assessment covering motor coordination, handwriting, self-care, and executive function, with a formal written report.
Book nowHandwriting Assessment
€400Standardised handwriting assessment for children 8+ with recommendations for school, SEC applications, and assistive technology.
Book now8-Session Programme
€940Eight focused sessions over eight weeks with a tailored programme and progress summary; ideal for children who need ongoing motor skill support after initial assessment.
Book nowFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between dyspraxia and DCD?
Dyspraxia and DCD refer to the same condition. DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder) is the current clinical term used in diagnostic manuals such as DSM-5 and ICD-11. Dyspraxia is widely used in Ireland and the UK as a colloquial term for the same presentation.
Can an OT diagnose DCD?
Occupational therapists can assess motor coordination and provide clinical findings consistent with DCD criteria. In Ireland, a formal medical diagnosis may also involve a paediatrician. OT assessment provides the standardised data required for diagnosis and is the key professional involved in functional assessment of DCD.
Will an OT report support SEC reasonable accommodation applications?
Yes. A report from a CORU-registered OT demonstrating motor coordination difficulties supports applications for written work reduction, use of a word processor, and other accommodations in Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations.
My child has a DCD diagnosis. Do they need another assessment?
If your child already has a formal DCD diagnosis, a further assessment may still be useful if the original report is more than two years old, if school accommodations require updated documentation, or if specific new concerns have emerged such as handwriting speed or assistive technology needs.
Get the report that opens doors.
Book an Initial Assessment or Handwriting Assessment online. Saturday appointments. Written report within one week.
Book an assessment