DCD Assessment at Cadabam’s Child Development Center
When everyday tasks like tying shoes or catching a ball feel overwhelming for your child, understanding the why behind the struggle is the first step toward real change. At Cadabams CDC, our assessment for developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is designed to give parents clear answers and a practical roadmap—without jargon, without judgment, and always with your child’s best interests at heart.
What Is a DCD Assessment?
Purpose of the assessment
A DCD assessment identifies whether your child’s motor difficulties meet the criteria for Developmental Coordination Disorder. We look at how delays in movement, balance, or coordination affect schoolwork, play, and daily living, then translate findings into an action plan you can use at home and in the classroom.
Difference between screening and formal diagnosis
- Screening is a quick 15–20-minute questionnaire or checklist that flags possible concerns.
- Formal diagnosis involves standardized tests, clinical observation, and a multidisciplinary review. Only a formal assessment can confirm DCD and unlock targeted support.
Signs Your Child May Need a DCD Assessment
Motor milestone delays
- Late sitting, crawling, or walking
- Difficulty learning to pedal a tricycle or ride a bike
Frequent clumsiness and falls
- Tripping on flat surfaces
- Bumping into furniture or peers during play
Difficulty with handwriting or sports
- Messy or slow handwriting
- Avoiding PE or playground games
- Trouble using scissors, buttons, or zippers
If two or more of these patterns sound familiar, it’s worth scheduling an assessment for developmental coordination disorder at Cadabams CDC.
Types of DCD Tests We Offer
Tests for strength and muscle tone
We measure grip strength and muscle tension to rule out low muscle tone or weakness.
Balance and postural control tests
- One-leg stand
- Beam walking
- Sensory Organization Test (SOT)
Coordination and motor planning tasks
- Throwing and catching a beanbag
- Navigating an obstacle course
- Timed repetitive movements
Visuomotor skills assessment
- Copying shapes and letters
- Tracking moving objects on a screen
Fine motor and graphomotor (handwriting) tests
- Purdue Pegboard for finger dexterity
- Detailed handwriting speed and legibility analysis
Our Step-by-Step Assessment Process
1. Initial parent interview & questionnaires
We start with a relaxed conversation about pregnancy, birth history, and daily challenges. You’ll complete brief checklists on motor skills, sensory preferences, and behavior.
2. Standardized motor skill testing
Your child joins fun, game-like tasks that secretly measure coordination, balance, and planning. No pressure—just play.
3. Observation in play and school tasks
We watch your child build blocks, draw, or engage in pretend play. If possible, we also consult teachers via short video clips or school questionnaires.
4. Feedback session and report
Within one week, we sit down (or video-call) to walk you through a plain-language report. You’ll leave with:
- A clear yes/no on DCD
- Strengths and challenge areas
- Therapy goals for the next 3–6 months
Who Conducts the Assessment?
Multidisciplinary evaluation team
Cadabams CDC brings together specialists who focus solely on child development—no mixed adult-pediatric caseloads.
Role of developmental pediatrician
Reviews medical history, rules out other conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy), and signs off on the final diagnosis.
Role of occupational therapist
Designs and administers the motor-skill tests, interprets classroom impact, and crafts individualized therapy plans.
What Happens After the Assessment?
Understanding the diagnosis report
We break down scores, percentiles, and clinical observations into everyday language. You’ll know exactly what each number means for your child.
Next steps: therapy recommendations
- Weekly OT sessions for motor planning
- Home exercise programs with video demos
- School accommodations (extra time, pencil grips)
Individualized plan for home and school
We provide a one-page “All About Me” sheet you can share with teachers, coaches, and relatives—so everyone is on the same team.