What is Dyspraxia? (Short Version)

Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a neurological condition that affects physical coordination. It can affect movement, coordination, and motor skills.

Dyspraxia can affect people of all ages, but it is usually noticed in early childhood. It is more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls.

Symptoms can include poor coordination, clumsiness, difficulty with tasks requiring fine motor skills, and problems with balance and spatial awareness.

Diagnosis is typically made by a specialist, such as a paediatrician, neurologist, or occupational therapist, through a series of physical and behavioural assessments.

There is no cure for Dyspraxia, but therapies and interventions can help manage symptoms and improve coordination and daily functioning.

Support can include occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and educational support. Charities like the Dyspraxia Foundation also offer resources and support.

No, Dyspraxia is not related to intelligence. Individuals with Dyspraxia can have a range of intellectual abilities.

Yes, Dyspraxia can impact learning, particularly tasks involving coordination, writing, and organisation. Children may need additional support in educational settings.

Dyspraxia affects about 5-6% of children in the UK, with around 2% severely affected.

The exact cause of Dyspraxia is not known, but it is thought to be related to the way the brain processes information, affecting coordination and movement.

Dyspraxia can make everyday tasks like dressing, writing, and using tools more challenging. It can also affect social skills and emotional well-being.

Yes, Dyspraxia continues into adulthood. Adults with Dyspraxia may find it affects their job performance, driving, and other daily activities.

No, Dyspraxia and Autism are distinct conditions, but they can co-exist. While Autism primarily affects social interaction and communication, Dyspraxia primarily affects motor coordination.

Therapies that can be beneficial for Dyspraxia include occupational therapy to improve coordination, physiotherapy to enhance physical strength and balance, and speech therapy if speech issues are present.

Yes, children with Dyspraxia can attend mainstream schools, but they may require extra support and accommodations to help them manage their coordination difficulties and succeed academically.