Children can't "overcome" or be cured of dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder - DCD), but with early intervention and consistent therapy (like occupational and physical therapy), they can significantly improve motor skills, develop effective coping strategies, and lead fulfilling lives by managing challenges and building confidence for school and daily living. Early support helps children learn to navigate difficulties, adapt tasks (e.g., using pencil grips, typing), and reach their full potential.
In the past, it was known as 'clumsy child syndrome', as it was thought that it only affected children. However, this is not the case - people do not 'grow out of' dyspraxia. The effects remain the same as people get older, although they tend to learn how to manage their difficulties better with time.
Treatment for dyspraxia
There is no cure for dyspraxia but there are therapies that can help with daily living, such as: occupational therapy – to help you find practical ways to remain independent and manage everyday tasks such as writing or preparing food.
The causes of dyspraxia aren't well understood. It is thought to be caused by a problem with the way connections develop between the nerves in the brain. There seems to be a strong genetic link — children with dyspraxia tend to have a parent with dyspraxia. It's also linked to complications during pregnancy and birth.
They can have trouble pronouncing words or expressing their ideas. They may also have trouble adjusting the pitch and volume of their voice. As a result, making friends and being social can be much harder. Emotional/behavioral skills: Children with dyspraxia may behave immaturely.
It can affect children and adults of all ages and degrees of severity. This disorder is usually diagnosed in childhood but can go undiagnosed for many years. Dyspraxia can improve with age as the brain is able to make better connections, especially with help from a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
Tend to get stressed, depressed and anxious easily. May have difficulty sleeping. Prone to low self-esteem, emotional outbursts, phobias, fears, obsessions, compulsions and addictive behaviour.
No, dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) is not autism, but they are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions that often co-occur and share overlapping traits, with dyspraxia primarily affecting motor skills and autism focusing on social communication and behavior, though both involve processing difficulties and can lead to coordination issues. Roughly half of autistic individuals experience dyspraxia, and many with dyspraxia also have autistic traits, creating unique support needs.
For example, dyspraxia can be used to describe movement difficulties that happen later in life because of damage to the brain, such as from a stroke or head injury. Some healthcare professionals may also use the term specific developmental disorder of motor function (SDDMF) to refer to DCD.
5 Celebrities & Famous People With Dyspraxia
Racket sports, such as table tennis or squash, can be a good option as they help work on coordination and fine motor skills. Gymnastics can also be beneficial as it helps develop muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. Dance is another individual sport that can be adapted for individuals with dyspraxia.
So, what are good jobs for people with dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia can cause a wide range of issues with movement and coordination. Some of these may be noticeable at an early age, while others may only become obvious as your child gets older. Dyspraxia can affect your child's coordination skills, which can make riding a bicycle or playing sports difficult.
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.
The exact cause of development disorder dyspraxia is unknown. However, it is speculated that injuries to the brain may result in dyspraxia. Injuries may occur while the baby is still within the womb. Sometimes it could be due to adequate development of the brain cells or due to lack of oxygen during birth.
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a common disorder affecting fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. This condition is formally recognised by international organisations including the World Health Organisation.
Myth #4: Kids with dyspraxia tend to have low intelligence.
Fact: There's no connection between dyspraxia and IQ . Having dyspraxia doesn't mean a child isn't intelligent. However, the way kids with dyspraxia behave might make them appear less capable than they are.
If your child shows little interest in pretend play, imaginative activities, or exploring their environment, it might be a red flag. Delayed Milestones: Not meeting typical developmental milestones, such as not being potty-trained by age 4 or not being able to identify basic colors or shapes, could be a red flag.
The child or young person's therapists, including physiotherapist, speech pathologist or occupational therapist, usually diagnose dyxpraxia, and these are the health professionals who can give you advice about treatment strategies and how to best assist your child.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What are the symptoms of dyspraxia? Children with dyspraxia may be late in reaching normal developmental milestones for example an early sign of dyspraxia is a child taking longer to roll over, sit, crawl, stand, walk, speak and toilet train.