Motor Skills Screening

The neuropsychological assessment of cognitive function does not in itself provide sufficient information to diagnose dyspraxia. Other factors such as developmental history, handwriting, curriculum attainments, language development and social/life skills should also be considered as well as the child's motor skills. The purpose of motor skills screening is to identify major deficits and observe if they form a pattern. For example a child may have predominantly left-sided difficulties (suggesting problems in the right hemisphere.) The test, taking approximately 20 minutes, can enable children aged 7 + who exhibit motor difficulties to be identified. The results in addition to a cognitive assessment and the developmental history would confirm the diagnosis of Dyspraxia.

Motor Skills Screening
Name..........................................Date.........Age...........
Activity ....Behaviour.... Date
1.) Walking on Toes forwards and backwards

2.) Walking on heels forwards and backwards

3.) Walking on insides of feet

4.) Walking on outsides of feet

There are 10 exercises in the complete assessment. For full details as to the others and the typical responses of a dyspraxic child see 'A Practical Manual for Parents and Professionals'

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