Dyspraxia can affect the oro-motor (mouth) area, causing difficulties with speech sound production, or it can affect the whole body. The degree of difficulties can range from mild to severe.
Dyspraxia/DCD can affect coordination skills, such as tasks requiring balance, playing sports or learning to drive a car; dyspraxia/DCD can also affect fine motor skills, such as writing or using small objects.
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.
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.
Children don't outgrow DCD – It was once believed that children with DCD would eventually grow out of the condition. However, long-term studies have shown that children with DCD often continue to experience motor problems into adolescence and adulthood.
The following famous people with dyspraxia have done exactly that by using their talents to help them overcome their challenges:
In the U.S., dyspraxia is not considered a specific learning disability . But it is considered a disability, and it can impact learning.
Dyspraxia does not affect your intelligence. It can affect your co-ordination skills – such as tasks requiring balance, playing sports or learning to drive a car. Dyspraxia can also affect your fine motor skills, such as writing or using small objects.
Bill Gates, one of the richest people in the world didn't let his dyslexia hold him back.
Though motor coordination challenges are common, people with dyspraxia often develop other compensatory skills that can be truly powerful in a work setting. One of the key superpowers of individuals with dyspraxia is creativity.
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.
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 can make it difficult for people to maintain attention and focus, especially when there are distractions and interruptions. Some people can also experience excessive tiredness.
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.
In 2008, Radcliffe revealed that he has a mild form of the neurological disorder dyspraxia, which sometimes prevents him from doing simple activities such as writing or tying his shoelaces.
This means that dyspraxia is more than just a movement disorder. Poor coordination, reduced balance and timing, poor handwriting and fine motor are the more obvious signs. However, individuals also experience challenges with memory, focus, planning and completing tasks.
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.
You might be surprised to learn that Oprah Winfrey credits her Dyslexia for helping her develop an incredible work ethic! 🌟 There are many gifts to 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.
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.
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.
Frequent difficulties with motor tasks, coordination and daily activities may lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth, especially during childhood and adolescence.
People with dyspraxia are thought to be clumsy, ill-prepared for complex or strenuous tasks or incapable of fast and slight movements without incident. NDIS funding covers children with DCD up until age seven, with parents often paying out-of-pocket expenses for therapies or services.
Instead, most healthcare professionals use the term developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) to describe the condition.
Daniel Radcliffe, Actor.
Well known for his role in 'Harry Potter', Daniel has discussed his dyspraxia, and how he experienced challenges with “jotting down notes” and “tying shoelaces”.