Motor Assessment & Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Assessment

We are fortunate to have two occupational therapists on our multidisciplinary team with expertise and experience in Motor Assessments. these evaluations focus on both gross motor skills (large muscle movements, e.g., running , jumping, balance) and fine motor skills (small muscle movements; e.g., catching, throwing, writing)

Motor Assessments typically involve:

Observation: In-office evaluation of a child's physical abilities and how they use their body to play, move, and interact with their environment.

Standardized tests: Using specific tools to measure motor development and compare the child's performance to age-appropriate norms.

Parent/caregiver interview: Gathering information about the child's motor development and any concerns.

A motor assessment can help identify delays in motor development and specific motor skill challenges, as well as underlying conditions that may be affecting motor skills – including Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) or Apraxia

What is Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

Awareness of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) has grown in recent years, replacing outdated perceptions of children previously considered simply "clumsy" or "awkward." Parents and teachers may notice that a child struggles with learning new movements like skipping, hopping, or jumping. Fine motor tasks such as printing, cutting, and copying are typically challenging, as are activities requiring coordinated hand movements, like fastening buttons, using zippers, tying shoelaces, or catching and throwing a ball. In the past, these difficulties were often dismissed with the expectation that they would resolve over time. However, it is now clear that motor coordination challenges can significantly affect a child’s daily functioning, social interactions, and emotional well-being.

Because motor tasks demand significant effort, children with DCD tend to work slowly and may seem inattentive. They often have low muscle tone, making it difficult to maintain an upright posture, leading to slouching, leaning on desks or furniture, and tiring quickly. As a result, they frequently disengage from physical activities and sports at an early age.

• DCD is more commonly diagnosed in boys

• 5-6% of school-aged population has Developmental Coordination Disorder

• around 50% of children with attention or learning difficulties also experience DCD.

How Can an Occupational Therapist Help?

An occupational therapist can:

• Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s developmental skills

• Assess how motor challenges impact daily activities

• Teach strategies to support learning and task completion

• Recommend adaptive tools and materials to enhance performance

• Assist in setting realistic and achievable goals

• Adjust environmental factors to promote participation

• Provide guidance on selecting suitable leisure and sports activities

• Support your child and those around them in recognizing and building on their strengths