Assessment and Diagnosis of Adult and Adolescent Dyspraxia Scotland
What is Dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia, a form of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a common disorder affecting fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. DCD is a lifelong condition, formally recognised by international organisations including the World Health Organisation. Individuals may vary in how their difficulties present: these may change over time depending on environmental demands and life experiences. There may be a range of co-occurring difficulties which can also have serious negative impacts on daily life. These include social and emotional difficulties as well as problems with time management, planning and personal organisation, and these may also affect an adult’s education or employment experiences. Many people with DCD also experience difficulties with memory, perception and processing.
While DCD is often regarded as an umbrella term to cover motor coordination difficulties, dyspraxia refers to those people who have additional problems planning, organising and carrying out movements in the right order in everyday situations. Dyspraxia can also affect articulation and speech, perception and thought.
(www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk)
Who do we assess?
Our primary focus is to assess adults of working age, students and adolescents at High School age (12) and above. We do not assess children.
Who can refer?
This is usually through self-referral or by concerned family members. Companies also contact us through HR departments regarding employees who are underperforming in their work role (usually funding the clients assessment and treatment).
Assessment Process
Your email will be replyed to in 2-3 working days and an initial telephone suitability consultation and risk assessment carried out. An arranged assessment will take place in the person’s own home or work environment. The assessment can take between 3-4 hours to complete.
Waiting Time?
Waiting time can vary between 2-6 weeks
The assessment focuses on current developmental and coordination issues impacting on the person’s occupational performance at home, work and leisure time. This will cover personal and daily living skills and deficits as well as the psychological and sensory impact on relationships and working environments.
Standardised occupational, educational and psychological assessments will be used as assessment tools as well as narrative historical information, noting milestones, academic achievement, employment, social and mental health progress as well as observational input.
Assessment
This will include:
- Mothers pregnancy history
- Full social history
- Adult Sensory Profile (Brown &Dunn)
- Developmental Test for Visual Perception and Motor Coordination (Beer VMI)
- DAST adult Dyslexia Screening
- Visual Stress and coloured overlays
- Handwriting assessments
- Physical balance and coordination observations
- Narrative accounts from other relevant people with permission
Assessment Package
This will include:
- An initial telephone conversation to assess suitability, key issues and risk assessment
- A home/work visit and assessment
- A follow up visit if required to discuss results and practical solutions (by telephone or email for further distances)
- A detailed report with inital OT recommendations
- Recommedations for potential management and assessment of other neurodiverse conditons identified during this assessment
- An edited letter to employer, HR department, Head of Faculty outlining issues and responsibilities under The Equality Act 2010 if required
- Ongoing support if required
Costs
• The above package will cost £795 plus travel time and mileage. Additional workplace visits and correspondence will incur additional charges. Payment plans are available over 3 months if required.