Yes, dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder, DCD) significantly affects academic performance, hindering learning through challenges with motor skills (handwriting, typing), executive functions (organization, planning, focus), and sometimes reading/maths, leading to lower attainment if not properly supported, despite not impacting intelligence. Difficulties with written exams, managing assignments, and following instructions can impede a student's ability to demonstrate their knowledge, impacting grades and future opportunities.
difficulty following instructions and copying information – they may do better at school in a 1-to-1 situation than in a group, so they can be guided through work. being poor at organising themselves and getting things done. being slow to pick up new skills – they need encouragement and repetition to help them learn.
Many children with difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and processing issues will first go to a mainstream school where extra support is promised. The quality of this support can be variable, and it can be wearing to both you and the child when they are always the odd one out.
Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), can have a bigger impact on adult mathematical performance than previously thought, according to new research from the University of Surrey.
Effect on learning
Students with DCD often have lower working memory capacity than their peers. This can affect their performance on tasks where they are given multiple steps or are required to follow a specific sequence.
Children with dyspraxia struggle to use their fine motor skills, so activities like cutting, sticking, and folding are especially difficult. If your lesson involves these activities, provide plenty of help.
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.
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.
Bill Gates, one of the richest people in the world didn't let his dyslexia hold him back.
People with dyslexia have the ability to see how things connect to form complex systems, and to identify similarities among multiple things. Such strengths are likely to be of particular significance for fields like science and mathematics, where pictures are key.
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.
DCD: A Quick Reference in 5 C's: A summary of DCD in 5 C's: common, clumsy, chronic health condition, co-occurring conditions and consequences.
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.
Dyspraxic Strengths
Once your child has a confirmed diagnosis of DCD they are entitled to additional supports in school. This may include access to assistive technology, Irish exemptions and reasonable accommodations in State Exams.
5 Celebrities & Famous People With Dyspraxia
Emma Watson
She was diagnosed with ADHD when she was 9 years old and has taken medicine to help with this. Emma has described how this has helped her focus.
Singer and songwriter Robbie Williams is known for being open about the challenges he's faced – as seen in the 2024 film based on his life, Better Man – and he's no different when talking about his dyscalculia and dyslexia.
Sir Richard Branson, head of Virgin, who made his first million by the age of 18 after founding a record label, is a classic example of the successful dyslexic. Branson, a billionaire, admits he did not understand the difference between net and gross profit until it was explained to him three years ago.
The short answer is, Yes! For example, it is widely believed that Albert Einstein was dyspraxic. He didn't learn to tie his shoelaces until he was 15.
However, many dyspraxics have excellent long-term memories, despite poor short-term memory. Many dyspraxic people benefit from working in a structured environment, as repeating the same routine minimises difficulty with time-management and allows them to commit procedures to long-term memory.
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.
Instead, most healthcare professionals use the term developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) to describe the condition.
Dyspraxia impacts the way in which a person controls their muscles to execute movement. This means that people with Dyspraxia use more energy controlling their movements than most, meaning they fatigue easily and may need to rest more than others.
You may be entitled to receive a benefit from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) if your child has dyspraxia/attention deficit/dyslexia etc. DLA stands for Disability Living Allowance and it is not means tested, nor is it taxable. There are 2 elements to it – caring and mobility.