Fundamentally, autism is a disorder that affects socialization and communication, while dyspraxia affects motor skills and physical coordination. While coinciding symptoms aren't uncommon, the two are considered distinct disorders.
In some cases the two conditions can co-occur. Research studies have found that dyspraxia is more likely to be reported amongst people with autism than in control groups; however, that does not necessarily imply a causal relationship.
As you can see from the above, autism and dyspraxia can present very similarly. This is made more confusing as the two conditions may also occur along side each other. As dyspraxia is less well known than autism some children may have be given an autism diagnosis and not assessed for dyspraxia.
Dyspraxia often co-occurs with ADHD, but the two conditions are separate. Luckily, there are support groups, online resources, and coping skills for dyspraxic individuals seeking a diagnosis.
Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a condition affecting physical co-ordination. It causes a child to perform less well than expected in daily activities for their age, and appear to move clumsily.
Many Australian children struggle with dyspraxia, a condition that disrupts the messages that travel from a child's brain to the muscles of their body. Dyspraxia (also called apraxia) is a neurologically based developmental disability that is typically present from birth.
For children under 7 in Australia, a formal diagnosis of DCD can form the basis for an Early Child Early Intervention Plan with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
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.
Motor Skills affected by Dyspraxia
As a result, making friends and being social can be much harder. Emotional/behavioral skills: Children with dyspraxia may behave immaturely. They may easily become overwhelmed in group settings.
Dyspraxia, also known as developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), is a common disorder that affects movement and co-ordination. 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.
Where Dyspraxia and Autism Overlap. Many children with autism spectrum disorders will exhibit symptoms of dyspraxia, and vice-versa. Shared symptoms may include difficulties with spoken language, sensitivity to light and noise, problems concentrating, and others.
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) or Dyspraxia is commonly associated with difficulties with movement, when in fact there are many strengths associated with this neurotype. Big picture thinking, problem solving, tenacity, creativity and empathy are all qualities associated with DCD.
Adults with dyspraxia sometimes display social and emotional difficulties, as well as problems with time management, planning and personal organisation. This may affect the person's education or employment. Dyspraxia may make learning a new skill more difficult.
The condition not only impacts coordination and movement, but there can also be social, emotional and processing difficulties too. Dyspraxia may affect: Coordination, balance and movement. Writing, typing, drawing, and grasping small objects.
Dyspraxia may be present in people with autism spectrum disorder, Asperger syndrome and dyslexia. Strokes or other trauma may cause dyspraxia (acquired dyspraxia) or it may be present from birth (developmental dyspraxia).
Poor, slow and effortful handwriting. Poor paper cutting skills. Difficulty in catching and throwing a ball. Poor at running, jumping, climbing and team sports.
DCD is thought to affect approximately 5% of the population. On average, that means one child in every classroom could be affected by DCD. DCD is typically more common in males (3:1).
What is dyspraxia ? Children with dyspraxia have problems with smooth and coordinated movements. Dyspraxia is often present after a brain injury. Dyspraxia brought on by a brain injury can improve with time and therapy.
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. Despite their difficulties, pupils with dyspraxia can and do learn to perform some motor tasks quite well.
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.
As a result, dyspraxia is a protected disability under the Equality Act. This means that people with dyspraxia shouldn't face any discrimination and should be provided with 'reasonable adjustments' for their disability.
You can apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) if you have a disability or condition that affects your ability to study, such as a: learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or ADHD.