Page 67 - Part-A

Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties

DCD diagnosis in adults

Although DCD is usually identified in children, there are adults who remain
undiagnosed for a variety of reasons. Their symptoms will have started at childhood
and stayed with them, changing over time, partly as a result of the individual learning
to cope with and manage the symptoms.

Adults can discuss their concerns with their GP, who may refer them to a
physiotherapist or an occupational therapist. These professionals can help with the
management of the condition in the absence of any nationally agreed guidelines for a
formal diagnosis.

The roles of a range of professionals involved in diagnosing
Specific Learning Difficulties

A range of professionals are involved in the diagnostic process for both children and
adults, including:

• General Practitioners (GPs)

• Paediatricians/paediatric neurologists

• Occupational therapists and physiotherapists

• Clinical psychologists

• Speech and language therapists

• Educational psychologists

• Child and adolescent mental health specialists

• Special Educational Needs Coordinators.

Each professional cannot usually confirm the diagnosis alone, but will be able to
contribute to the diagnostic process.

A GP is likely to be the first person approached by many people. GPs will carry out an
initial assessment to find out more about past development and the current problems
encountered. Not all GPs have experience of SpLDs, and those that do may not have
extensive knowledge on the subject. GPs may refer the person on to a specialist for a
wider and more in-depth assessment.

A paediatrician or paediatric neurologist can check to determine whether the
difficulties a child is experiencing are due to another medical condition, as there are
other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to some SpLDs but which need to
be treated differently. A paediatrician can also confirm a diagnosis.

An occupational therapist or physiotherapist will be able to assess an individual’s
movement, motor skills and coordination skills. Occupational therapists often play an
important part in the assessment of DCD.

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