Dyspraxia, which is also known as  Developmental Co-ordination Disorder is less well known than dyslexia, it affects movement and co-ordination, dyspraxia affects all areas of life, but like dyslexia is not linked to intelligence. Dyspraxia affects movement, co-ordination, organization and it can impact on speech .

 

Movement Matters defines dyspraxia as,

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“ A common disorder affecting fine or gross motor co-ordination in children and adults.

 

This condition is formally recognised by international organisations including the World Health Organisation. DCD is distinct from other motor disorders such as cerebral palsy and stroke.

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The range of intellectual ability is in line with the general population. Individuals may vary in how their difficulties present; these may change over time depending on environmental demands and life experience, and will persist into adulthood. An individual’s co-ordination difficulties may affect participation and functioning of everyday life skills in education, work and employment. Children may present with difficulties with self-care, writing, typing, riding a bike, play as well as other educational and recreational activities.

In adulthood many of these difficulties will continue, as well as learning new skills at home, in education and work, such as driving a car and DIY.

 

There may be a range of co-occurring difficulties which can also have serious negative impacts on daily life. These include social emotional difficulties as well as problems with time management, planning and organisation and these may impact an adult’s education or employment experiences.”​

 

According to the Dyspraxia foundation some (or all) of the following could be signs of dyspraxia in older children and adults;

• History of physical awkwardness as a child, but may have developed coping or avoidance strategies as an adult

• Difficulty learning new motor skills or applying skills in a different or busy environment

• Difficulty handling tools and equipment such as a tin opener.

• Poor balance, tires easily.

• Can produce lots of writing or neat writing, but not both at the same time.

• Anxious and may avoid social situations where difficulties might be exposed

• Poor organisation and time management skills.

• Misses deadlines, late for appointments.

• Awkward pauses before answering questions

• Underachieves academically and in the workplace

 

​More information on dyspraxia can be found here;

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https://dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/ 

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