Yes, people with dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) are considered neurodiverse because it's a neurological condition where the brain processes information differently, falling under the broad umbrella term of neurodivergence alongside conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, representing natural variations in human brains.
Yet, despite it being as prevalent as dyslexia and significantly more so than autism, dyspraxia is much less well known. Dyspraxia occurs across all intellectual abilities. Along with ADHD, autism and dyslexia, it is a neurodiverse condition and is considered a specific learning difference.
Dyspraxia and autism are both spectrum disorders, which means that there is a wide range of symptoms and severity levels within each condition.
Dyspraxia is also a specific learning difficulty because it can impact on how we think of something, plan, organise and sequence our thoughts to complete different tasks and actions. Dyspraxia has nothing to do with intellect, most people are of average to above average intelligence.
Use MedlinePlus to discover some of the conditions that are most common among those who describe themselves as neurodivergent, including:
ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia all fall within the spectrum of “Neurodiversity” and are all neurodiverse conditions. Neuro-differences are recognised and appreciated as a social category similar to differences in ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or ability.
Technology and IT roles
Tech and IT roles are a fantastic fit for neurodivergent adults, thanks to their structured environments and clear, logical tasks. Many companies recognize the unique strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to these roles, making them a popular choice.
Problems with movement and co-ordination are the main symptoms of DCD. Children may have difficulty with: playground activities such as hopping, jumping, running, and catching or kicking a ball. They often avoid joining in because of their lack of co-ordination and may find physical education difficult.
Dyspraxia often co-occurs with other learning differences, such as dyslexia, ADHD and autism. Many people with dyspraxia are creative, determined and good at problem-solving.
Fact: There is no connection between dyspraxia and low IQ. Having dyspraxia does not mean a child isn't intelligent. However, the way children with dyspraxia behave might make them appear less capable than they are.
Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
The "6-second rule" for autism is a communication strategy where a speaker pauses for about six seconds after asking a question or giving information, giving the autistic person extra time to process it without feeling rushed, which helps reduce anxiety and allows for a more thoughtful response, reducing frustration for both parties. Instead of repeating or rephrasing, which can be confusing, you wait, and if needed, repeat the exact same words after the pause.
Put simply, yes. Dyspraxia is viewed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 and disability law. This is because the Act defines a disability as 'any physical or mental impairments that have a substantial and long-term impact on an individual's ability to carry out everyday tasks.
What is important to note is that dyspraxia does not affect intelligence. A child with dyspraxia in other words, is not mentally retarded. However, due to their learning difficulties they may need extra help at school to keep up with their peers.
Dyspraxia can disrupt the visual information coming to the brain from the eyes, causing issues with visual processing. Because of this disruption, the brain sometimes has to be selective with the information it considers, causing certain things to be ignored or missed.
Some autistic people struggle with direct eye contact, which is not common amongst dyspraxic individuals. Also, stimming (flapping arms or hands, flicking fingers, repetitive noises etc.) is common in autistic people but not dyspraxic people.
The challenges that come with dyspraxia should never overshadow the incredible strengths that individuals with the condition bring to the table. By embracing these superpowers—creativity, problem-solving, persistence, empathy, and adaptability—organisations can harness a new level of innovation and performance.
Though there are careers that utilise the assets of dyspraxia, such as empathy, and leadership, more than others. These jobs include teaching, coaching, leadership, creative arts and business development, amongst other things.
Daniel Radcliffe (Actor)
Best known for his titular role in the Harry Potter films, Daniel revealed that he had a mild form of dyspraxia in 2008 in an interview for his Broadway debut in Equus. He was unsuccessful at school and 'he sometimes still has trouble tying his shoelaces. '
Symptoms of dyspraxia
You may find routine tasks difficult. If you have dyspraxia it may affect: your co-ordination, balance and movement. how you learn new skills, think, and remember information at work and home.
Dyspraxia Awareness Ribbon Purple & Blue Enamel Pin Badge / Brooch - Etsy UK.
Dyspraxia isn't linked to intelligence, but experts say it can interfere with executive functions such as time management and short-term memory. It's thought the extra concentration needed to perform everyday tasks can cause fatigue, and many with the condition describe feeling frequently exhausted.
received a neurodivergent diagnosis of some kind than those with an Extraversion or a Sensing preference. In terms of whole type, those with preferences for INFJ, INTP, or INFP were the most likely to have received a diagnosis, those with preferences for ESTJ the least.
The 10-3 rule for ADHD is a productivity strategy involving 10 minutes of focused work followed by a 3-minute break, designed to match the ADHD brain's need for short bursts of effort, making tasks less overwhelming and procrastination easier to manage by building momentum with quick, structured intervals. It helps individuals with ADHD ease into tasks, offering a tangible goal (10 mins) and an immediate reward (3 mins) to keep focus without burnout, often incorporating movement or preferred activities during breaks.
One phrase that is often associated with ASD is “high-functioning,” which refers to an individual who experiences the social and emotional difficulties and stereotyped behaviors or interests that are associated with autism, but does not have any significant delay in intellectual or verbal development.