Developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia) in children · Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy for developmental coordination disorder
Clinically reviewed by Hannah Chamberlain
DCD (dyspraxia) makes the everyday mechanics of childhood hard — but goal-directed OT builds the skills that matter most to your child. We work online on real tasks in their own environment, using evidence-based approaches like CO-OP. NDIS-funded.
What we treat
- Messy, slow, or painful handwriting
- Dressing — buttons, zips, shoelaces
- Cutlery, drink bottles, lunchbox lids and other daily tasks
- Coordination for sport and playground games
- Motor planning — working out how to do a new physical task
- The confidence knocked by years of "I can't"
Typical outcomes
- Real, chosen goals achieved — neater writing, independent dressing, riding a bike
- Strategies the child can apply to new movement challenges themselves
- More participation in sport, play, and self-care
- Less frustration and avoidance; more confidence
- Parents who know how to set up and support practice
How sessions run
Online 50-minute sessions focused on real, child-chosen goals practised in their own home environment — ideal for DCD, since motor skills are best built where they're used. We coach parents to support practice between sessions.
Why goal-directed OT — and CO-OP
The strongest current evidence for DCD favours goal-directed, task-oriented occupational therapy rather than generic exercises. Instead of drilling abstract movements, we work directly on the activities a child actually wants and needs to do — and teach them transferable problem-solving strategies for movement.
A well-researched example is CO-OP (Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance), in which the child learns a simple "goal–plan–do–check" routine to work out movement challenges for themselves. That's powerful because the skill generalises: the child gets a method, not just a memorised motion.
In practice:
- Identify goals — the specific tasks that matter (handwriting, dressing, a bike)
- Task-oriented practice — working on those activities, broken into achievable steps
- Cognitive strategies — teaching the child to plan, do, and check their own movement
- Environment + coaching — tweaks and parent support so skills stick at home and school
Parents extend the work into daily life
Motor skills are built through repetition in real contexts, so a session a week isn't enough on its own. We coach parents to set up and support short practice in everyday routines — getting dressed, mealtimes, homework — which is where DCD goals are actually won.
When DCD travels with something else
DCD frequently co-occurs, and the plan adapts:
- DCD + ADHD — common overlap; OT alongside psychology supports both coordination and attention.
- DCD + sensory processing difficulties — often addressed together within OT.
Hey Sprout's single intake catches these connections so you get one coordinated plan, not separate forms and waits.
NDIS funding
DCD can meet NDIS access criteria where it's permanent and substantially affects daily functioning; an OT assessment supports an access request. If approved, OT is funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. For families without NDIS funding, sessions are private-pay at the NDIS rate.
Clinically reviewed by Hannah Chamberlain
Last reviewed 31 May 2026
This page reflects current clinical guidance. See the Hey Sprout editorial policy for review cadence and corrections.
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Related conditions
ADHD in children and adolescents
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in Australian children, affecting roughly 1 in 20.
Autism (Level 1 and Level 2) in children
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference. Level 1 and Level 2 children typically benefit from speech, OT, and psychology support — and most are NDIS-eligible.
Cerebral palsy — therapy support for children
Cerebral palsy affects movement and posture. Goal-directed OT and speech therapy build independence and communication, online and coordinated with your team.
Down syndrome — therapy support for children
Children with Down syndrome thrive with early, consistent therapy. Speech and OT build communication and daily-living skills, online and parent-coached.