Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia is a form of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) affecting fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults, often occurring alongside dyslexia.
Current research suggests that it is due to an immaturity of neurone development in the brain rather than to brain damage. People with dyspraxia have no clinical neurological abnormality to explain their condition.
People with Dyspraxia may find tasks requiring balance, such as playing sports, and tasks that require fine motor skills, such as writing, very difficult. It is a lifelong condition, though it can ease over time.
Dyspraxia is more common in males, and is thought to affect up to 3% of the population. Although Dyspraxia doesn’t affect a child’s intelligence, it can make learning more of a challenge for them, and they may need extra support at school.
Signs of Dyspraxia
- Problems with activities that require any kind of physical movement or coordination – such as playground games
- Navigating around the house, including going up and down the stairs
- Writing and drawing, or doing craft activities
- Tying shoelaces, or buttoning up clothes
- Using cutlery
- Sitting still
Support and links
- The Dyspraxia Foundation
- NHS Choices provides more information on both Dyspraxia in Children, and Dyspraxia in Adults