Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional Clear & Informative Video on DCD/Dyspraxia

OTs can not diagnose anything (at least not in the US). They can tell you until they are blue in the face your child has dyspraxia/DCD and no one (like school, etc) will care or take it seriously because OTs can not diagnose anything. Neurologists can diagnose DCD/dyspraxia. As can developmental pediatricians. Neurologist and developmental peds will often work with an OT in diagnosing or look at and use an OT's tests and reports, though. Neuropsychs can diagnose it too but I find it is really hit or miss with them. The ones I have dealt with didn't seem as knowledgeable about the disorder and seemed more interested in seeing adhd, autism spectrum disorders, etc. There is one in my area that is known for having a really good understanding of apraxia, dyspraxia, etc... but the others not so much. My son's neurologist was quite knowledgeable about it. And as an added bonus, I found that insurance seems to cover the neurologists evals much more readily but not so keen on covering psych or neuropsych evals so that is something to look into as well.

So glad the video was helpful! There really needs to be more awareness and education in this country on this disorder.... children suffering from this are most often either completely missed or misdiagnosed.

For example, two neuropsychs missed entirely why my son has trouble staying seated and why he would slip out of his seat during testing and wiggle about just like that little girl in the video... Their minds immediately went to adhd when they see that. Even though both were very, very well aware he has low muscle tone. To me, what that girl does and what my son does looks completely from different from a child who "can not stay in his seat" due to adhd. But both has trouble staying seated.

He graduated from a OT group (four kids working on sensory issues and social skills) and his OT went on maternity leave so we don't have one at the moment. I am planning to ask his pediatrician to refer us to someone so we can take a next step. Unfortunately, our ped. doesn't seem that familiar with any of this but can at least point us in the right direction (I hope). My son is so smart (at least I think so!) but his organization, project completion, attention span, handwriting etc. are so awful that I am very worried about second grade.