Understanding Dyspraxia: A Guide for Families
Dyspraxia, also called Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a neurological condition affecting motor coordination, often impacting daily activities and learning.
Here’s what families need to know:
Signs & Symptoms
Early Childhood
Delayed milestones: These include trouble crawling, walking, or sitting up. Based on research findings from NHS, children with dyspraxia often experience motor delays in infancy and early childhood.
Clumsiness: Studies highlighted by Healthline indicate that coordination difficulties such as frequent tripping, bumping into objects, or dropping items are common characteristics of dyspraxia.
Fine motor struggles: Examples are difficulty with zippers, buttons, or using utensils. According to research from Mental Health Center Kids, fine motor skills are frequently impaired, making everyday tasks challenging.
School-Aged Children
Academic challenges: Medicover Hospitals suggest that dyspraxia can significantly affect academic performance due to difficulties with motor control and planning. This is usually seen in poor handwriting, trouble organizing tasks, or following instructions.
Social/Emotional Impact: Research from Cleveland Clinic highlights that children with dyspraxia often face social difficulties like low self-esteem, bullying, or social withdrawal due to coordination issues and these lead to emotional distress.
Comorbidities: Studies from Healthline show that dyspraxia frequently overlaps with other neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD, autism, or anxiety.
Causes & Risk Factors
While exact causes are unclear, key contributors include:
Genetic predisposition: Based on recent findings from Patient.info, genetic factors like having a family history of DCD may play a role in the development of dyspraxia.
Prenatal factors: Studies from Mental Health Center Kids show that premature birth, low birth weight, or maternal alcohol/drug use during pregnancy and other prenatal complications increase the likelihood of developing dyspraxia.
Neurobiological factors: Research from Cleveland Clinic suggests that structural and functional differences in the brain contribute to motor coordination difficulties because brain regions like the cerebellum or mirror neuron system may underperform.
Support & Management
Occupational Therapy: This is a widely recommended intervention for children with dyspraxia. According to the NHS, it improves motor skills through tailored exercises.
Adaptive Strategies: Research from Medicover Hospitals emphasizes the importance of practical accommodations to support daily functioning. These include simplifying tasks (e.g., using Velcro shoes) and encourage participation in low-pressure activities.
Emotional Support: Social and emotional support is crucial in helping children with dyspraxia build self-esteem. Cleveland Clinic stresses the need to address bullying and foster confidence through positive reinforcement.
Early recognition and collaborative care can significantly enhance quality of life for children with dyspraxia.