Occupational Therapy for children
I think my child has Dyspraxia or Developmental Coordination Disorder
Children who experience difficulties with fine motor tasks such as fastening buttons, handwriting or tying shoelaces, and gross motor tasks such as catching a ball and riding a bike, may have an underlying movement difficulty such as Dyspraxia. Dyspraxia is also known as Development Coordination Disorder (DCD).
Other common difficulties include poor organisation and time management skills and difficulties with attention and concentration.
We carry out assessments that support the community paediatricians when investigating a DCD diagnosis. We also provide strategies to help manage this condition.
If you are concerned that your child may have DCD, you can submit a referral to the Children's Occupational Therapy Service. See our referral process for more information.
You may also find it useful to read through the handouts below. They contain advice and strategies to support specific areas of need:
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Dressing skills for early years (pdf : 179 KB)
Download this document : Dressing skills for early years
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This guidance will help your child to develop dressing skills in their early years and establish a routine.
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Dressing skills (pdf : 417 KB)
Download this document : Dressing skills
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Helps to break down the different elements of dressing into easy chunks with games to improve dressing skills.
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Pre-writing skills (pdf : 187 KB)
Download this document : Pre-writing skills
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Strategies to develop pre-writing skills, from grasping the pencil, activities to develop upper limb and core strength and multi-sensory approaches.
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Handwriting (pdf : 207 KB)
Download this document : Handwriting
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From gripping the pencil to letter formation and letter reversal, some techniques to try at home.
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Handwriting - managing fatigue and pain (pdf : 207 KB)
Download this document : Handwriting - managing fatigue and pain
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Strategies from correct posture and shoulder stability to grasping a pencil.
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Cutlery skills (pdf : 198 KB)
Download this document : Cutlery skills
First published: 22/03/2021
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Useful tips on positioning, how to hold cutlery and activities to help with cutlery skills.
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Toileting skills (pdf : 222 KB)
Download this document : Toileting skills
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From posture and positioning to fun games to encourage independent bottom wiping.
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Scissor skills (pdf : 192 KB)
Download this document : Scissor skills
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From how to sit to graded cutting tasks, some things to try to encourage confidence and accuracy.
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Tying laces (pdf : 345 KB)
Download this document : Tying laces
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From using different materials to breaking the activity into smaller steps, some useful strategies to try with your child.
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Attention, concentration and organisational skills (pdf : 198 KB)
Download this document : Attention, concentration and organisational skills
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Strategies to try at home and school to help a young person develop their concentration and focus.
Further information