Dyspraxia
Before you read the webpage please read the following notes:
NOTE 1 – We are giving you an overview of this condition in a question and answer format so you have some information for when you talk to a health professional. We have not discussed how to diagnose this condition, the types of treatment available for this condition and how you as the parent can help your child. We will leave that for a professional to discuss with you when a healthcare plan or special educational needs plan is being written for your child once they have been diagnosed.
NOTE 2 – Children can suffer from more than one condition at any one time. This is known as comorbid.
NOTE 3 – The exact cause of many of the conditions we have written about is unknown. Research is continuing. There can often be a genetic component which when inherited can make an individual prone to the condition. There are also other factors which can play a part in the development of the condition and can trigger it. We have detailed these factors in each write up.
NOTE 4 – Education for children with special education needs and disabilities is written elsewhere on this website. Please click the link below to access it.
WHAT IS DYSPRAXIA?
Dyspraxia is also known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Dyspraxia affects the physical movements, the balance and the coordination of an individual.
It is a chronic neurodevelopmental condition which affects the motor skills of a child. It can also be sometimes referred to as ‘specific developmental disorder of motor function’.
Dyspraxia affects more boys than girls.
Children with dyspraxia are regarded as children with special educational needs.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR DEVELOPMENTAL COORDINATION DISORDER (DYSPRAXIA) IN CHILDREN
Dyspraxia is different from apraxia. Apraxia is the complete loss of the ability to move a part of the body or do something. Dyspraxia is only a partial loss of the ability to move a part of the body or to do something so you cannot do it accurately.
WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES A CHILD WITH DYSPRAXIA DISPLAY?
Some of the symptoms a child with dyspraxia may show are:
- They may move about clumsily
- The condition will make it difficult to ride a bike
- The condition will make it difficult to play sports.
- If fine motor skills are affected then the child may not be able to fasten their button, use cutlery, do a jigsaw puzzle, draw, and paint.
- Children will have difficult jumping, hopping, and running.
- They may find it difficult throwing an object.
- They could have problems kicking or catching a ball
- They will find PE difficult.
- They can be messy
- They can be disorganised.
- They may find doing things harder.
- They may find getting dressed hard.
- They may not be able to climb the stairs easily.
- They will walk, toilet train, stand and speak later than other children.
- They may be fidgety
- They may find eating food that needs to be chewed hard
- They could be always falling over or tripping up.
- They may not be able to hold things properly.
ARE CHILDREN WHO HAVE DYSPRAXIA BORN WITH IT OR IS IT ACQUIRED?
The exact cause of dyspraxia is unknown however, scientists believe there is a genetic link so it can be inherited. Therefore children are born with it. It is also believed that premature babies and babies with low birth weight can develop the condition.
WHEN DO MOST CHILDREN FIRST DISPLAY THE SIGNS OF DYSPRAXIA?
Children can show the signs of dyspraxia from early on but normally it is diagnosed at the age of 5 years.
CAN DYSPRAXIA GO AWAY, BE CURED OR PREVENTED?
Dyspraxia once diagnosed can be managed and controlled with treatment. It cannot be cured. It cannot also be prevented.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DYSPRAXIA?
There are 3 different types of dyspraxia:
1. Verbal dyspraxia – A child with this type of dyspraxia will have problems speaking.
2. Motor dyspraxia – A child suffering from this type of dyspraxia has issues with movement and coordination. They may have issues with dressing themselves, with writing and playing in the playground.
3. Oral dyspraxia – A child with this type of dyspraxia has problems with the movement of their mouth and their tongue.
HOW DOES A CHILD WITH DYSPRAXIA FEEL IF THEY HAVE NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED?
A child with dyspraxia may feel the following if they have not been diagnosed:
- Angry and upset
- Frustrated at themselves
- Confused why the cannot follow instructions
- Unhappy that they cannot organise themselves and their belongings
- Withdrawn
- Embarrassed
WHO DO YOUR CONTACT FOR HELP IF YOU FEEL YOUR CHILD HAS DYSPRAXIA?
Contact your GP immediately – Your GP will arrange for your child to be assessed for dyspraxia. Your GP will then arrange for your child to have the correct support, medication, therapy and treatment to manage the condition. They will also inform you of any lifestyle changes you may need to make and refer you for further help if you need it.
Contact the school SEN department – The SEN department (special educational needs) at school will take your concerns seriously and help you. Please read the next section below.
IS DYSPRAXIA CONSIDERED A SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEED (SEN)?
A child suffering from dyspraxia can be considered as one with special educational needs (SEN) if the issues the child is suffering from make education and learning much more difficult than other children of the same age.
Talk to the SEN department at your child’s school. There will be a special teacher there called a SENCO (special SEN coordinator) who looks after the welfare of all SEN children at the school and they will be able to advise you further.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
You can contact NSPCC – If your child has dyspraxia you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has dyspraxia.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about your concerns if your child has dyspraxia. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE 16 – CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has dyspraxia and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.