Definition of Dyspraxia

 

Over the years, DCD and Dyspraxia have been used to describe the same condition, which is also referred to as “clumsy child syndrome”.

 

Dyspraxia is actually a sub-set of DCD – not all children with DCD have Dyspraxia and not all children who are Dyspraxic have DCD.  Children ususally have difficulty with novel/new tasks.

 

Dyspraxia has 3 distinct components:

2 parts cognition:

• Ideation: having a spontaneous idea

• Motor Planning: what to do with the idea

 

1 part motor:

• Motor execution: actually carrying out the idea

What is Dyspraxia?

 

Dyspraxia is a disorder affecting a child's development - primarily affecting their motor coordination. This involves not only the execution component (this is the coordination we visibly see) but also the organisation and planning that happens before movements take place.

 

What are the Symptoms?

Motor coordination is something we need for normal everyday function - therefore this condition affects a child's activities at Home, play and at school. Therefore we would notice problems in all of these areas.

 

It is important to note that each child may present with different symptoms but some questions you may ask yourselves are:

• does your child have difficulties organising themselves and their belongings?

• do your child's movements appear clumsy/ awkward? Are they constantly bumping into things?

• do they struggle with eye-hand coordination?

• do they tire more easily than their peers?

• do they find fine motor skills challenging? e.g. doing up buttons/ fastenings, tying laces, handwriting, cutting with scissors, using a knife and fork together?

 

Who would diagnose Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia is usually diagnosed by a qualified Occupational Therapist. Sometimes it may necessary to get an Educational Psychology Assessment.  The standard Occupational Therapy Assessment process helps to distinguish which category best describes your child.

 

What can we do?

Treatment is essential. There is no cure for dyspraxia but intervention helps each child to reach their own full potential. Treatment is available through the public and private sectors.

 

See the Role of Occupational Therapy for more information on how OT can help your child.