Assessments

Generally, a paediatrician is involved in diagnosis and an occupational therapist and/ or a physiotherapist is involved in both diagnosis and intervention. A Paediatrician will be required to exclude any other medical conditions which may explain the child or young person’s difficulties.

For a diagnosis to be made, it’s essential for the child or young person to have what is called a norm-referenced assessment of their motor skills. This may be done by an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or paediatrician.  This is a standardised movement assessment which will measure a child or young person’s ability to carry out gross and fine motor activities. 

The assessments yield standard scores and percentiles so comparisons can be made with the general population.  A diagnosis is only given if the scores are below specified percentiles.  More information on this should be obtained from the team carrying out the assessment.

Last updated 6 August 2021