What is the purpose of the COMPS assessment?

• A. Identify subtle development or motor coordination problems (dyspraxia)
• B. Identify language delay
• C. Screen for ADHD
• D. Assess visual acuity

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that this assessment is used to detect subtle motor coordination and development issues, such as dyspraxia. It focuses on how well a child plans, coordinates, and executes movements, across tasks that involve both fine and gross motor skills. That makes it a tool for identifying motor coordination problems that might not be obvious in everyday activities, guiding further evaluation or intervention for dyspraxia/DCD.

It isn’t a test of language abilities, so it wouldn’t be chosen if the concern were language delay. It also isn’t a screen for attention or behavior like ADHD, which would be explored with different behavioral or cognitive measures. And it doesn’t assess vision or visual acuity, which require eye-focused tests.