Yes, you should tell your child about their dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) when they are ready, as naming it helps explain their struggles, reduces frustration, builds self-esteem by focusing on strengths, and opens the door to targeted help like Occupational Therapy (OT) and strategies to manage daily challenges. Frame it positively, explaining that everyone learns differently, and it's about finding the right tools, not being "less than," to empower them and build resilience.
When explaining the condition to a child, focus on strengths, differences, and reassurance—share information gradually. Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland can help signpost families, adults, and young people to relevant supports through our contact form.
Put simply, yes. Dyspraxia is viewed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 and disability law. This is because the Act defines a disability as 'any physical or mental impairments that have a substantial and long-term impact on an individual's ability to carry out everyday tasks.
Talk to a GP, health visitor or special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) if you think your child has developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD). They may refer your child to another healthcare professional who can do an assessment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can get DLA if at least one of the following applies to your child: they need a lot more care, attention or supervision than a child of the same age who isn't disabled. they have difficulty walking or getting around outdoors in unfamiliar places, compared to a child of the same age who isn't disabled.
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”.
So, what are good jobs for people with dyspraxia?
Poor sleep, stress and depression are common. Adults with dyspraxia can be prone to low self-esteem, emotional outbursts, phobias, fears, obsessions and compulsions, and addictive behaviours.
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.
Building sets for dyspraxic children
Children with dyspraxia can benefit from construction games such as building blocks, Lego or 3D puzzles. These activities help improve hand-eye coordination, muscle strength and movement control, while encouraging creativity and imagination.
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.
Motor Coordination and Physical Development
Moreover, the repetitive and structured nature of swimming helps individuals with dyspraxia and motor planning difficulties refine their movement patterns.
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. For example, they may not do well with fine motor tasks like drawing, writing and everyday activities like tying shoes.
No one knows exactly what causes dyspraxia. But some things can increase your risk of developing it – for example, being born prematurely or having a low birth weight. Sometimes, you can get dyspraxia after having a stroke or head injury. This is called acquired dyspraxia.
To diagnose Dyspraxia it requires a medical history, observations and Standardised Tests – including movement, hand-eye coordination, and sensory perception to confirm a diagnosis. This is carried out by a specially trained Occupational Therapist such as our therapists at Dyspraxia UK.
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.
To qualify for SSI, your child must have a diagnosis of autism and meet the program's definition of disability. Your family must also meet income and resource limits. If your child is approved for SSI, you will receive a monthly payment to help cover the costs of caring for your child.
Some assessments can be done by staff at your child's school or nursery. For example, a support for learning teacher may be able to do dyslexia assessments. Sometimes, other professionals may need to carry out the assessment. This could be an educational psychologist, a health professional, or a social worker.