From Referral to Report: Your Guide to the DCD/Dyspraxia OT Assessment Journey

💡 What Does an OT Assessment for Dyspraxia Actually Involve?

If you’re a parent or teacher concerned about a child’s coordination, handwriting, or daily functional skills, you might be wondering what an Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment actually looks like — and what you’ll get out of it.

We know this process can feel a little confusing or overwhelming, especially if you're already navigating a lot of questions. That’s why we created this visual to break down the step-by-step journey we take when assessing a child for motor coordination difficulties like Dyspraxia (or DCD – Developmental Coordination Disorder).

Here’s a closer look at the process:

🔹 Referral Received
Once we receive a referral, we begin gathering the full picture of the child’s strengths and needs.

🔹 Pre-Screening Forms Sent to Parents
These forms help us understand developmental history, daily challenges, and any concerns you may have. This is our first snapshot of how the child is functioning at home.

🔹 (If Needed) Forms Sent to Teachers
If there’s not enough information from home alone, we’ll also connect with the child’s school to gather more context about how they’re coping in the classroom.

🔹 In-Person Assessment
This typically lasts 60–90 minutes and may include:

• Fine and gross motor tasks

• Visual motor integration

• Handwriting speed and control
  We aim to make this session fun and engaging for the child while also gaining meaningful insights into how they move, plan, and complete everyday tasks.

🔹 Feedback Session & Report
We’ll follow up with a 60-minute feedback session to talk through what we’ve observed. You’ll also receive a detailed written report outlining:

• Clear outcomes

• Practical recommendations for school, home, and life

• Next steps for support, therapy, or further referrals if needed

Our assessments are trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and grounded in care. We’re here to help your child feel seen — not just assessed — and to equip you with clear, compassionate guidance for the road ahead.

✨ You’re not alone in this.
If you’re unsure whether your child needs an OT assessment, feel free to reach out — happy to chat.