7 Assessment

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A broad multi-agency assessment is essential as some children may have a medical reason for their difficulties which requires treatment whilst others may have coexistent developmental conditions such as Attention Deficit Disorder or Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

If there is any doubt about a child’s understanding or use of speech and language then referral to a Speech and Language Therapist is recommended.

It is also important to distinguish between children who have DCD and those who have Specific Learning Difficulties without co-morbidity as the managed pathways may be significantly different although once again the two conditions may co-exist in the same child.

Whilst it is important that these children are diagnosed early, it is even more important that their needs are met in an appropriate way and thus there is a need for clear pathways of care. The importance of professionals working together is well recognised²⁰. A general learning strategy is important and non-specialists such as teachers and parents are often best placed to provide appropriate management with specialist services being reserved for the children who are most severely affected¹⁴. It is important that a child’s ability and strengths are acknowledged and that intervention is not solely focused on their difficulties.

Parents and professionals require up to date information, which is appropriate to their needs and readily available.

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