While ADHD is a learning difficulty that often affects attention, behavior or both, dyspraxia has to do with fine motor skills, language and planning abilities and is not always classed as a learning difficulty.
Dyspraxia is a developmental condition that affects motor movement and coordination. It's widely misunderstood and often misdiagnosed as ADHD. Dyspraxia can also be referred to as DCD or developmental coordination disorder. Dyspraxia often co-occurs with ADHD, but the two conditions are separate.
People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse. They may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders. Dyspraxia is a brain-based motor disorder. It affects fine and gross motor skills, motor planning, and coordination.
There is a significant overlap between ADHD and both DCD and dyslexia. Studies looking at DCD in people with ADHD have reported that as many as 89% of people with ADHD also have DCD. When looking at populations with DCD, around 50% of people with DCD also have ADHD.
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.
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.
Dyspraxia is considered to be a hidden disability as the physical signs can be difficult to recognise. Dyspraxia is also less well known and often misunderstood, many people with dyspraxia do not realise they have the condition until later in life.
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.
If you have dyspraxia, you may also have other conditions, such as: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) dyslexia. autism spectrum disorder.
Signs of Dyspraxia in Younger Children
Little understanding of concepts like 'in', 'on', or 'in front of'. Difficulties in walking up and down stairs. Poor pencil grip. An inability to do jigsaws and shape sorting games.
difficulty making friends – they may avoid taking part in team games and may be bullied for being "different" or clumsy. behaviour problems – often stemming from a child's frustration with their symptoms. low self-esteem.
Types of learning difficulty
People who have dyslexia can find it hard to read, write and spell. , attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia and dyscalculia. A person can have one, or a combination. As with learning disability, learning difficulties can also exist on a scale.
Interestingly, in the general population, dyspraxia was associated with significantly higher autistic traits and lower empathy. These results suggest that motor coordination skills are important for effective social skills and empathy.
Dyspraxia can effect fine motor skills such as using cutlery and scissors, being able to brush hair and do things most women take for granted, such as applying makeup and painting nails. All the fiddly things in life. Our lack of motor skills can mean we are often mucky pups and quite messy.
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)
Some people with Dyspraxia are also successful in claiming personal independent payment (formerly known as disability living allowance.)
Teenagers with dyspraxia are significantly more likely to experience social and emotional difficulties compared to their peers. Similarly, adults with dyspraxia often experience social isolation and find it more difficult to succeed in the workplace.
You can get between £26.90 and £172.75 a week in Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to help look after a child who has a disability or health condition. DLA isn't means tested, so how much you earn doesn't impact how much you can get. The money can be spent on anything.
Even if there is a Consultant noted on the claim form, more often than not the Decision-maker will seek evidence from the child's school. Secondly, one has to show from the outset that the child's needs are in excess of that of a child of the same age in good health. Depending on their age, this can be difficult.
People with Dyspraxia may find tasks requiring balance, such as playing sports, and tasks that require fine motor skills, such as writing, very difficult. It is a lifelong condition, though it can ease over time.