Understanding Dyspraxia
Welcome to The Cognitive Collective’s Dyspraxia resource page
If you or someone you know struggles with coordination, motor skills, or tasks requiring fine motor control, dyspraxia may be the reason. Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a condition that affects physical coordination and can impact daily activities such as dressing, writing, or playing sports. Here’s an overview of what dyspraxia is, how it can affect individuals, and the strategies and support available.
What is Dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia is a neurological condition that affects movement and coordination. It makes it difficult for individuals to plan and execute physical tasks. People with dyspraxia may have difficulty with both fine motor skills (e.g., writing, buttoning a shirt) and gross motor skills (e.g., running, jumping). This condition is not related to intelligence, and many individuals with dyspraxia are highly capable in other areas.
Dyspraxia affects various aspects of motor coordination, including:
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Motor planning: Difficulty in planning and executing movements in the right order or with appropriate force.
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Fine motor skills: Challenges with tasks such as writing, using cutlery, or typing.
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Gross motor skills: Difficulty with balance, running, jumping, or playing sports.
Dyspraxia is a lifelong condition, but with the right support and intervention, individuals can learn strategies to cope with its challenges and improve coordination.
Common Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of dyspraxia can vary from person to person, but common signs include:
Challenges with Fine Motor Skills:
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Poor handwriting: Writing that is messy, hard to read, or difficult to organise on the page.
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Difficulty with dressing and self-care: Struggling with tasks like buttoning a shirt, tying shoelaces, or brushing teeth.
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Trouble using utensils: Difficulty using knives, forks, or other utensils properly during mealtime.
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Difficulty with drawing or crafting: Problems with tasks requiring dexterity, such as drawing, cutting, or using scissors.
Challenges with Gross Motor Skills:
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Balance problems: Difficulty with activities that require balance, such as riding a bike, running, or standing on one foot.
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Clumsiness or frequent falls: Frequently tripping, bumping into things, or dropping items.
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Delayed motor development: Children with dyspraxia may take longer to reach motor milestones such as crawling, walking, or running.
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Difficulty with sports or physical games: Struggling with sports that require coordination and timing, such as basketball or soccer.
Difficulty with Coordination:
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Poor spatial awareness: Difficulty judging distances or understanding how one’s body relates to objects in space.
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Problems with motor planning: Trouble sequencing or performing tasks that involve multiple steps, such as getting dressed or preparing food.
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Fatigue from physical activity: Increased tiredness after physical tasks or exercises that involve coordination.
Other Cognitive or Emotional Challenges:
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Low self-esteem: The struggles with motor tasks can lead to frustration, embarrassment, or feeling less capable than peers.
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Frustration with physical tasks: Difficulty performing everyday tasks can cause emotional distress and avoidance.
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Social difficulties: Children or adults with dyspraxia may struggle with activities that require coordination in social settings, like group sports or physical play.
Getting A Diagnosis
Dyspraxia is typically diagnosed by a healthcare professional, such as an educational psychologist, occupational therapist, or paediatrician, through a comprehensive assessment.
The diagnostic process usually involves:
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Medical and Developmental History
Gathering information about the individual’s early development, motor milestones, and family history of motor or coordination issues.
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Behavioural Observations
Observing the individual’s motor skills and how they perform various tasks, both fine and gross motor activities.
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Standardised Tests
Administering specific tests to assess motor skills, balance, coordination, and cognitive abilities related to motor tasks.
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Parent and Teacher Reports
Information from teachers and parents about the individual’s physical coordination in school or home settings.
Living with Dyspraxia: Tips & Strategies
Here are some strategies for living with dyspraxia and managing daily tasks more effectively:
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Use visual aids: Visual schedules, step-by-step instructions, or written reminders can help individuals with dyspraxia stay organized and remember tasks.
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Create a structured routine: Consistent routines help reduce the cognitive load and make daily tasks easier to manage.
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Break tasks into smaller steps: Complex tasks (like getting dressed or doing homework) can be broken down into smaller, more manageable steps to make them feel less overwhelming.
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Use assistive devices: Special tools and devices, such as larger pens, adaptive clothing, or electronic reminders, can help with tasks that require fine motor skills.
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Practice physical activities regularly: Engaging in activities that improve motor skills (such as swimming, yoga, or dancing) can help with coordination and build confidence.
Treatment Options
While there is no cure for dyspraxia, individuals with the condition can benefit from a range of therapies and interventions that can help improve their motor coordination and daily functioning.
Occupational Therapy
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Fine motor skills development: Occupational therapists work with individuals to improve fine motor skills such as handwriting, using tools, and performing everyday self-care tasks.
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Adaptive techniques: Learning new strategies to cope with difficulties, such as using adaptive tools or changing the way tasks are approached (e.g., using larger pencils or writing tools).
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Sensory integration: For some, issues with sensory processing are also present, and therapy may involve activities designed to help regulate sensory input and improve focus and coordination.
Physiotherapy and Movement Therapy
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Gross motor skills development: Physiotherapists help improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength through exercises and activities that target motor skills.
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Core strength and stability: Exercises aimed at improving core strength, which is essential for overall coordination and balance.
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Sport and activity adaptation: Sports or physical activities can be adapted to improve motor coordination while also enhancing social skills and self-confidence.
Neurodivergence-Informed Therapy
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For many individuals, dyspraxia can cause emotional challenges related to frustration, self-esteem, and social interactions. Therapy can provide emotional support, strategies for managing anxiety or frustration, and coping mechanisms for handling challenges in social and academic settings.
Assistive Technology
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Voice recognition software: Tools like Dragon NaturallySpeaking can help individuals avoid challenges with handwriting by allowing them to dictate their thoughts.
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Speech-to-text software: Programs such as Google Docs Voice Typing can be used to assist with writing tasks, eliminating some of the challenges that come with fine motor difficulties.
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Adapted writing tools: Larger pencils, slanted desks, or special grips can be used to assist individuals with fine motor difficulties when writing.
1 hr
100 British pounds
Resources & Support
Here are some helpful resources for individuals with dyspraxia:
Dyspraxia Foundation – Provides information, resources, and support for people with dyspraxia.
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Network – A UK-based organisation that offers resources and support for individuals with DCD, also known as dyspraxia.
The Movement Centre – Offers therapy services.
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Podcasts:
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The Dyspraxia Podcast – Discusses living with dyspraxia.
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The Movement Matters Podcast – Focuses on movement and coordination.
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Books:
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The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz – A guide for parents.
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Dyspraxia: A Guide for Teachers and Parents by Amanda Kirby – Practical advice for support.
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If you or someone you know may have dyspraxia, or if you’re looking for support to manage the challenges it brings, we’re here to help.
Contact us for an initial consultation or to learn more about our services. We are committed to supporting individuals with dyspraxia to thrive in everyday life.
Dyspraxia can present challenges in many aspects of life, but with the right support, individuals can manage the condition and lead fulfilling lives. At The Cognitive Collective, we provide compassionate, tailored support to help individuals with dyspraxia unlock their potential and thrive.