Yes, dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder or DCD) can be serious because while it's not an intellectual disability, its impact on motor skills, organization, and emotional well-being can significantly hinder academic, social, and daily functioning, often leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, and other mental health challenges if not properly supported, especially if undiagnosed. It affects coordination for everyday tasks (writing, sports, dressing) and planning, impacting long-term quality of life.
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.
Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is thought to affect up to 10% of the population and up to 2% severely. It can affect people of all intellectual abilities. Males are four times more likely to be affected than females. Dyspraxia/DCD can run in families.
Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) cannot be cured, but there are ways to help your child manage their problems. A small number of children, usually those with mild symptoms who are diagnosed early, may be able to learn how to overcome their difficulties.
Dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder) can cause a wide range of issues with coordination and motor skills. While most people with dyspraxia show signs of the condition by the time they start school, some people have mild forms of the condition that are more difficult to detect.
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.
So, what are good jobs for people 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.
Occupational therapy is the main treatment for dyspraxia. It can help develop the skills needed for school and everyday living. Physiotherapy is also important for children with muscle tone and strength problems.
In general, a dyspraxia diagnosis should not prevent you from learning to drive. Sure, you'll have to accept that it will be harder for you to get to grips with the basics and the whole process could take longer than average, but it's not a solid roadblock.
Who is Entitled to PIP? You can get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if all of the following apply to you: You're 16 or over. You have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability (this includes neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and DCD/dyspraxia)
DCD is a lifelong disability. Many adults continue to experience motor and organisational challenges throughout life. For adults, there is no single standardised diagnostic motor test, but structured tools such as the Adult Developmental Coordination Disorders / Dyspraxia Checklist (ADC) can support identification.
Dyspraxia often co-occurs with other learning differences, such as dyslexia, ADHD and autism. Many people with dyspraxia are creative, determined and good at problem-solving.
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.
Famous People with 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.
Coordination and sensory sensitivity
Dyspraxia can affect all elements of coordination between the brain and the body.
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.
Although signs of the condition are present from an early age, children vary widely in their rate of development. This means a definite diagnosis of DCD does not usually happen until a child with the condition is 5 years old or more.
Jobs that can be suited to those with dyspraxia include caring professions - caring for the young or the elderly, working with people with learning difficulties, or working with animals.
It's important to get a dyspraxia diagnosis early so you can get the right support for your physical, learning, social, and emotional needs.
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.
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.
Simple individual sports
- Swimming: This sport allows individuals with dyspraxia to focus on their own movements in the water, without having to interact with other players. - Running: By running, individuals with dyspraxia can work on their coordination and balance while progressing at their own pace.