Written question WQ87563

Health boards are responsible for dyspraxia services, which sit under the developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) umbrella.

The pathway for diagnosis is a visit to the GP, who will provide a referral onto an occupational therapist or a physiotherapist. In South Wales West, dyspraxia support services for children are delivered via a school-based pathway. When a teacher identifies a child is having difficulties, they can access an online or face-to-face advice clinic.

The Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act and ALN Code for Wales aims to ensure that learners aged 0-25, who require additional support to meet an ALN, have it properly planned for and protected. Local authorities are responsible for ensuring suitable education provision for children in their area and it is for individual schools to decide on the procedures they adopt for meeting the needs of all children, for observing and assessing their progress and, in most cases, for deciding the nature of any additional support they put in place.

To help teachers understand the challenges learners with specific learning difficulties like dyspraxia face, we have published a SpLD Framework and guidance. This helps teachers to identify learners who may have difficulties like dyspraxia and make appropriate adjustments to teaching practice and school/classroom environments so these learners do not risk falling behind other pupils in their class.

We have also developed an ALN professional learning pathway for ALN Co-ordinators (ALNCos) and teachers so they can develop the skills they need to support learners in the classroom.

For adults with disabilities in higher education, Disabled Students’ Allowance is an additional part of the student finance package and helps pay for extra costs a student might incur as a direct result of their disability. This includes long-term health conditions including dyslexia or dyspraxia. More information is available at: Extra help available if you are a full-time undergraduate student with a disability | Student Finance Wales

Adults seeking a diagnostic assessment for dyspraxia/DCD will contact their GP. A medical assessment is an important part of the diagnostic process for dyspraxia/DCD to consider and rule out other possible explanations for a person’s movement difficulties. A physiotherapist or occupational therapist may be able to confirm a diagnosis of dyspraxia/DCD and provide support.

If dyspraxia co-occurs with autism or ADHD, the Integrated Autism Service will provide support, including self-help strategies to enable people to better manage everyday activities.