Dyspraxia Assessment Ireland: Private Testing for Children & Adults

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What is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia, also called Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a neurological condition affecting movement, coordination, and motor skills.

It can make everyday tasks—like writing, tying shoelaces, or participating in sports—more challenging. Dyspraxia may also impact planning, organisation, speech, and social interactions. While it does not affect intelligence, undiagnosed Dyspraxia can influence academic performance, self-esteem, and social skills. For a deeper understanding, you can also read our short guide to dyspraxia.

A Dyspraxia assessment identifies these motor and coordination challenges, helping guide personalised support. At BetterCare, our private Dyspraxia assessments focus on your child’s strengths while providing strategies to build confidence and independence.

What causes Dyspraxia?

The exact cause of Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is not fully understood. Research suggests it is linked to differences in brain development that affect motor coordination and cognitive processing.

Key contributing factors include:

  • Genetics: Dyspraxia often runs in families, indicating a hereditary component.
  • Brain Development Differences: Disruptions in neuronal communication, especially in the cerebellum (which controls movement and coordination), may play a role.
  • Prenatal & Birth-Related Factors: Premature birth, low birth weight, or reduced oxygen during birth can increase the risk of Dyspraxia.
  • Co-existing Neurodevelopmental Conditions: Dyspraxia commonly occurs alongside ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, and Sensory Processing Disorder, suggesting shared neurological pathways.

A Dyspraxia assessment can help identify these underlying challenges and guide personalised support for children, teens, or adults.

Dyspraxia is a common but often underdiagnosed condition, with prevalence rates varying across studies.

Key statistics include:

  • 5-6% of children are estimated to have Dyspraxia, making it as prevalent as ADHD.
  • Boys are diagnosed more frequently than girls, though this may be due to differences in symptom presentation.
  • Up to 70% of children with Dyspraxia continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.
  • Many adults remain undiagnosed, often struggling with coordination, organisation, and daily tasks without understanding why.

Early identification through a Dyspraxia assessment can significantly improve outcomes. With tailored support and strategies, children, teens, and adults can build confidence, independence, and success in daily life.

Our comprehensive Dyspraxia assessment follows a structured, evidence-based approach to evaluate motor coordination, cognitive processing, and daily functioning. The assessment includes:

  • Clinical Consultation – A detailed discussion with a qualified clinician to explore developmental history, motor challenges, and their impact on daily life.
  • Standardised Motor & Cognitive Testing – Evaluations of fine and gross motor skills, spatial awareness, balance, and coordination using clinically recognised tools.
  • Functional Impact Assessment – Understanding how Dyspraxia affects academic performance, workplace abilities, and everyday tasks.
  • Personalised Feedback & Diagnosis – A clear explanation of results with a formal diagnosis (if applicable), plus recommendations for next steps.

A private Dyspraxia assessment can provide clarity, guide interventions, and support children or adults in building confidence, independence, and skills.

After your Dyspraxia assessment, you will receive a comprehensive report by email. This includes a clear diagnosis (where applicable) and personalised recommendations for support and intervention. Our reports are recognised by schools and relevant Irish authorities, ensuring you have credible documentation for educational or workplace accommodations.

Our Dyspraxia assessment costs €1,000 and follows a structured 60-90 minute, evidence-based approach to evaluate motor coordination, cognitive processing, and daily functioning.

We offer flexible payment options designed to suit your budget and lifestyle — including a Book Now, Pay Later option with Klarna, so you don’t have to delay essential care.

For personalised payment options, please contact our office directly.

We also accept all major health insurers in Ireland, including Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare, and Vhi Insurance.

If you think you or your child may benefit from a Dyspraxia assessment, contact us today to schedule an appointment. You will receive a clear, accurate diagnosis, a detailed report recognised by schools and Irish authorities, and practical strategies to support everyday life.

Still unsure if a Dyspraxia assessment is right for you? Book a free consultation to learn more about our process and how we can help.

What's different about BetterCare?


Our team includes experts like psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists who work collaboratively to help you or your child live a fulfilling life. Referrals within the BetterCare™ team are seamless, efficient and quick, should further therapeutic intervention be needed or recommended.

Get started with BetterCare™

Check out our availability and book the date and time that works for you. 

Unsure of the service best suited to your needs? Contact us now to discuss your next steps on a Free 15 minute Booking Consultation.

Once you’ve booked a Dyspraxia assessment, you’ll receive a brief questionnaire by email. This helps our team understand your needs and ensures the assessment is the right fit. If another service would better suit your situation, we’ll offer a full refund or credit.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

A dyspraxia assessment can seem daunting. Below are some frequently asked questions we receive which may be useful ahead of the first appointment.

Yes. While dyspraxia does not affect intelligence, it can impact:

- Writing speed and legibility

- Organisation (e.g., remembering homework, following instructions)

- Concentration and frustration levels


- Social skills, due to difficulty with games or group activities

This can lead to misunderstandings about a child’s effort or behaviour, so early identification and support are important.

There is no cure, but with early intervention and the right support, children with dyspraxia can develop strategies to manage challenges and thrive. Therapy and accommodations help build:

  • Coordination
  • Confidence
  • Independence in daily tasks

Many individuals with dyspraxia go on to lead successful lives with the right tools in place.

Depending on the service, your child may be assessed by:

  • An Occupational Therapist (OT) – core for motor and functional assessment
  • A Paediatrician or Neurologist – to rule out other conditions
  • An Educational or Clinical Psychologist – if cognitive, attention, or learning issues are involved
  • Sometimes a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) – if dyspraxia affects oral-motor skills

A multidisciplinary approach is often best.

Yes. Although typically identified in childhood, some people reach adulthood without a diagnosis. Adult assessments focus on:

  • Motor coordination history
  • Functional impact on work, daily life, and learning
  • Self-reported challenges and coping strategies

An occupational therapist or psychologist with experience in adult neurodevelopmental assessment can carry out this process.

No, but they can overlap:

  • Dyspraxia is primarily about coordination and motor planning.
  • Sensory Processing Disorder involves how the brain interprets sensory input (e.g., sound, touch, balance).

Many children with dyspraxia also show sensory sensitivities or seek out certain sensory input, so both issues may be assessed together.

We know that cost should never be a barrier to care.

That’s why we offer flexible payment options designed to fit your budget and lifestyle — including a Book Now, Pay Later option with Klarna, so you don’t have to put off getting the support you need.

If you’d like a personalised payment option, simply get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you.