Dyspraxia: How Is It Diagnosed?

In Australia, there is no set procedure for diagnosing dyspraxia. The following diagnostic criteria are met using the DSM-5 as a guide:

A. The ability to learn and use coordinated motor skills falls below the typical developmental age and window of opportunity.

B. A lack of motor skills affects daily living activities, academic performance, and other age-appropriate activities.

C. The early developmental stage is when symptoms first appear.

D. Intellectual disability, visual impairment, or neurological disorders that impact movement cannot account for problems with motor abilities.

E. There is also oral dyspraxia which affects speech and language.

Additionally, a neuromotor evaluation for your child, which covers three areas:

- Eye movements, a response to a visual presentation, and pupil reactivity are all examined as part of a cranial nerve examination.

- Examining your strength and flexibility involves looking at how well your body works. Clinicians take note of a patient's posture and how they move, whether they are walking, climbing, or skipping.

- The inability to develop, plan, and execute complicated movements is referred to as motor planning in older children. These include gross and fine motor abilities, such as ball throwing and shoelace tying.

For dyspraxia treatment, get a consultation from Tomatis® Australia.