Disciplining a child with dyspraxia means shifting from punishment to positive support, clear structure, and breaking down tasks, focusing on the why behind behaviors (often overwhelm), using visual aids, praising effort, and building routines to reduce frustration, as traditional discipline can backfire and increase anxiety. Instead of punishing mistakes, help them learn by modeling, validating feelings, offering choices, and creating an empowering environment that works with their challenges.
Below are some activities that we recommend for children with Dyspraxia.
And the answer might not be what you think.
Currently there is no known cure for dyspraxia, and children do not 'grow out of' the condition. While they do not get worse over time, their challenges may become more apparent with increasing academic demands. They have to work harder and/or differently than their peers to achieve the same goals.
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. your daily living skills, such as dressing or preparing meals.
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 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.
For the majority of those with the condition there is no known cause, however, current research suggests that it is the unresponsive or varied development of neurones in the brain, rather than brain damage, which form the foundations of dyspraxia.
DCD is often confused with dyspraxia. Here's the thing, they are very similar and cause a lot of the same types of clumsiness and disorganisation. However, dyspraxia involves planning of tasks. A child with dyspraxia has difficulty to use toys and equipment in novel ways.
The "3-3-3 Rule" for kids is a simple mindfulness technique to manage anxiety by grounding them in the present moment: first, name three things they can see; next, identify three sounds they hear; and finally, move three different parts of their body. This engages their senses, shifts focus from worries, and helps them regain control when feeling overwhelmed, like during test anxiety or social situations.
The "9-minute rule" in parenting, or the 9-Minute Theory, suggests that focusing on three specific 3-minute windows each day creates significant connection and security for children: the first three minutes after they wake up, the three minutes after they return from school/daycare, and the last three minutes before sleep, emphasizing distraction-free, quality time to boost well-being and reduce parental guilt.
The 7-7-7 rule of parenting generally refers to dedicating three daily 7-minute periods of focused, undistracted connection with your child (morning, after school, bedtime) to build strong bonds and make them feel seen and valued. A less common interpretation involves three developmental stages (0-7 years of play, 7-14 years of teaching, 14-21 years of advising), while another offers a stress-relief breathing technique (7-second inhale, hold, exhale).
Occupational therapy is highly beneficial for individuals with Dyspraxia. Occupational therapy helps to develop and improve functional ability and also provide strategies and advice to help overcome any difficulties the individual is having with their ever day living.
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.
Children with suspected DCD are usually assessed using a method called the Movement ABC, which involves tests of: gross motor skills – their ability to use large muscles that co-ordinate significant body movements, such as moving around, jumping and balancing.
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.
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.
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.
The following famous people with dyspraxia have done exactly that by using their talents to help them overcome their challenges:
These may include: physical play, team sports, drawing or handwriting, using tools like scissors, a toothbrush or cutlery. Children with motor coordination difficulties may also find tasks such as organising themselves, learning new motor skills and even social and emotional aspects challenging.
This skill is really valuable to employees, in fact, 50% of NASA employees are dyslexic. They are deliberately hired because of their excellent critical thinking skills and spatial awareness.
Famous actors like Johnny Depp, Keira Knightly and Orlando Bloom all have dyslexia. Pablo Picasso's teachers described him as “having difficulty differentiating the orientation of letters”.
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.
Dyspraxia has been recognised by both doctors and therapists since the early 1900's and was originally described as “Congenital Maladroitness”. In 1925 French Doctors and Therapists called it “Motor Weakness”. Later in 1937 Dr Samuel Orton described Dyspraxia as one of the six most common developmental disorders.