Developmental Co-ordination Disorder Dyspraxia): Understanding the Learning Difficulty and Ways to Support Individuals with Dyspraxia

Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual’s ability to plan and execute skilled movements. Dyspraxia is a lifelong condition affecting about 5-10% of the population, and it impacts individuals differently. In this article, we will explore dyspraxia in more detail, its impact on individuals, and ways to support those with dyspraxia. Read more about the subtle difference between DCD and dyspraxia.

What is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia is a disorder that affects the development of motor coordination and planning. It is a complex condition that is poorly understood, and its causes are not entirely known. The term “dyspraxia” comes from the Greek words “dys” meaning difficulty and “praxis” meaning doing, and it is often used interchangeably with the term Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).

Dyspraxia affects individuals differently, and its severity can vary from mild to severe. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by differences in how the brain develops, processes information and communicates with the body.

The symptoms of dyspraxia can vary, but they generally include difficulties with motor coordination, balance, and posture. Individuals with dyspraxia may have difficulty planning and coordinating movements, such as running, jumping, or catching a ball. They may also struggle with fine and gross motor skills, impacting their ability to write, draw, and use utensils. Dyspraxia can also affect speech and language development and social and emotional functioning.

Impact of Dyspraxia on Individuals

Dyspraxia can significantly impact individuals, affecting their ability to carry out daily activities and participate in social and academic settings. The challenges associated with dyspraxia can lead to frustration, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which can impact an individual’s mental health and well-being.

Difficulties with fine and gross motor skills can lead to challenges with writing, drawing, and using utensils. They may affect an individual’s ability to participate in sports or other physical activities. Sensory processing difficulties can cause over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to touch, sound, or light, making everyday activities, such as shopping or going to school, overwhelming and stressful.

Dyspraxia can also impact executive functioning, which includes skills such as planning, organization, and time management. Individuals with dyspraxia may struggle with these skills, making academic tasks and daily routines challenging.

In addition to the physical and cognitive challenges associated with dyspraxia, individuals with dyspraxia may also struggle with social interaction and communication.

Learning difficulty and dyspraxia

Learning difficulty is a condition affecting an individual’s ability to process and understand information effectively. Learning difficulties can manifest in various ways, such as reading, writing, math, or language, and can impact academic, social, and emotional development. Learning difficulties are not related to intelligence but rather reflect differences in how the brain processes information. Some common learning difficulties include dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. These conditions can cause frustration, anxiety, and a sense of low self-esteem, particularly if left undiagnosed or untreated. However, with appropriate support and accommodations, individuals with learning difficulties can develop strategies to compensate for their challenges and achieve academic success. Early identification and intervention are critical for addressing learning difficulties and promoting positive outcomes.

Executive functioning and dyspraxia

Executive functioning refers to cognitive processes responsible for goal-directed behaviour, decision-making, and self-regulation. These processes include working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, planning and organizing, and time management. Executive functioning is important for daily activities such as completing tasks, managing time, and solving problems. Individuals with deficits in executive functioning may struggle with tasks that require planning, organizing, and prioritizing information or tasks, adapting to changing circumstances or regulating their emotions and behaviour. Executive functioning is also closely related to academic success, and deficits in executive functioning have been linked to difficulties with reading, writing, and math. However, executive functioning can be improved with practice and intervention, and many strategies and techniques can be used to support individuals with executive functioning deficits.

Social skills and dyspraxia

Social skills training is designed to help individuals improve their ability to interact with others positively and constructively. This training typically includes instruction, modelling, and practice in active listening, expressing emotions appropriately, empathizing with others, initiating and maintaining conversations, and resolving conflicts. One key aspect of social skills training is the development of non-verbal communication skills, which are important for interpreting social cues and conveying emotions. Non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language can provide important information about others’ emotions and intentions. Individuals with social skills deficits may struggle to interpret these cues accurately. Social skills training can also help individuals regulate their emotions and responses, reducing the likelihood of negative interactions or behaviours. By improving social skills, individuals can develop positive relationships with peers, co-workers, and family members, which can have long-lasting benefits for mental health and well-being.

Cognitive processing and dyspraxia

Cognitive processing refers to the mental activities that occur when we receive, interpret, and use information from the world around us. These activities include attention, perception, memory, language, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Cognitive processing is crucial for everyday activities such as learning, communication, and social interaction, as well as for more complex tasks such as academic or professional performance. Cognitive processing involves the integration of information from different sources and the ability to make sense of that information. As a result, it is influenced by many factors such as genetics, environment, experience, and education. Understanding cognitive processing can help us better understand how we think, learn, and interact with the world, and can inform interventions for individuals with cognitive impairments.

Supporting Individuals with Dyspraxia

Individuals with dyspraxia benefit from various supports, including occupational therapy and educational support. Occupational therapists work with individuals to develop strategies to manage sensory processing difficulties and improve motor coordination. This may include sensory integration therapy, which involves providing sensory input to help individuals regulate their sensory systems, or motor planning exercises to improve motor coordination and planning.

In educational settings, individuals with dyspraxia benefit from accommodations such as extra time for tasks and assignments, the use of assistive technology, and modifications to the physical environment to reduce sensory distractions. Teachers can also provide visual aids and written instructions to support understanding and reduce reliance on verbal communication.

In addition to these supports, it is essential to promote a positive attitude towards dyspraxia and recognize the strengths and abilities of individuals with dyspraxia. Dyspraxia is not a reflection of the intelligence or character of individuals.

CoordiKids Home Course is an excellent resource to assist children diagnosed with dyspraxia.