Dyspraxia is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition affecting movement and coordination. It is not a mental health condition, not an illness, and it is not cured. The clinical name is developmental coordination disorder, or DCD.
Key points
- Dyspraxia is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition affecting movement and coordination. It is not a mental health condition or an illness.
- Developmental coordination disorder, or DCD, is the clinical term; dyspraxia is the common one.
- It affects more than handwriting and PE: planning, sequencing, time management, balance and spatial awareness.
- It often occurs alongside ADHD, dyslexia and autism.
- A paediatrician usually diagnoses children with an occupational therapist, rarely before age 5. Adult assessment is patchy.
Symptoms
- Children: difficulty with hopping, jumping, catching a ball, handwriting, buttons, shoelaces; bumping into things, falling over.
- Adults: difficulty with balance, spatial awareness, fine motor tasks (typing, tin openers), and planning and organising time.
- Difficulty making friends, low self-esteem, behaviour out of character in children who struggle and go unsupported.
Causes and risk factors
- It is not usually clear why coordination does not develop as well as other abilities.
- Linked with premature birth, low birth weight, a family history of DCD, and alcohol or drug use in pregnancy.
- Not caused by laziness, poor parenting or lack of practice.
Treatment
- Activity-oriented approaches: breaking a movement into small steps, adapting the task with pen grips or Velcro fastenings.
- Paediatric occupational therapists work on dressing, writing and cutlery; physiotherapists on walking, running and balance.
- Adjustments at work: a quiet workspace, written instructions, extra time; Access to Work grants cover equipment and support workers.
When to speak to a professional
- Your child is behind on movement milestones, or coordination affects schoolwork, dressing or play.
- You think you have dyspraxia and it is affecting your home life, work or studies.
If you need help now: Samaritans, call 116 123, free, 24/7. Shout, text SHOUT to 85258. NHS 111, then choose the mental health option. Call 999 if anyone is in immediate danger.