However, some activities can also help you improve your co-ordination and dexterity too, such as playing computer games or taking part in fitness classes (e.g. aqua aerobics, dance classes). You can also try other activities that focus more on relaxation, such as yoga, meditation, or even colouring.
Physiotherapists commonly treat individuals with Dyspraxia. Physiotherapy is one of the most important interventions for individuals with Dyspraxia; it focuses on increasing and improving motor ability which in turn will help an individual's emotional and social development.
Dyspraxics may be overly sensitive to noise, touch, and light and can have balance issues. Perceptual difficulties mean they can struggle to gauge the distance between things, which leads to clumsiness, and they are prone to mixing up right and left.
generally it impacts fine motor skills (e.g. holding a pencil) and/or gross motor skills (e.g. riding a bicycle). It can also impact the ability to organise yourself, remember information and control actions. processing differences. They may be sensory avoidant e.g. leaving a room when noises are too loud for them.
being born prematurely, before the 37th week of pregnancy. being born with a low birth weight. having a family history of DCD, although it is not clear exactly which genes may be involved in the condition. the mother drinking alcohol or taking illegal drugs while pregnant.
Daniel Radcliffe (Actor)
Best known for his titular role in the Harry Potter films, Daniel revealed that he had a mild form of dyspraxia in 2008 in an interview for his Broadway debut in Equus. He was unsuccessful at school and 'he sometimes still has trouble tying his shoelaces.
Tiredness and fatigue are overwhelming for many adults who have dyspraxia due to the effort it takes in planning, prioritising, processing and performing everyday tasks whilst trying not to get distracted.
Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland recommend balance/wobble boards as a strategy to help children with dyspraxia at school. The use of a balance board helps strengthen large muscle groups used in walking, running and jumping. Other activities recommended include walking on a straight line and throwing and catching a bean bag.
The brain does not process the written word as do most brains and so people with this condition must learn in other ways. Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Henry Ford and Richard Branson had/have this condition. Dyspraxia is a brain-based motor disorder.
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.
Hei Hei the rooster has dyspraxia, a common disorder that affects movement and co-ordination and a learning disability.
Common Dyspraxia strengths
Dyspraxics often learn to develop soft skills such as active listening, empathy, and when to delegate tasks to others. Their desire for people to understand what they deal with ensures that they communicate clearly too. All these result in dyspraxics making good leaders.
Dyspraxic people tend to be good at bold 'big picture' thinking, pattern-spotting and inferential reasoning. Due to the challenges they experience they are often resourceful, persistent, and determined problem-solvers. Likewise, with the right support in place they are very reliable and hard working.
So although there are similarities, autism is primarily a social and communication disorder and dyspraxia is primarily a motor skills disorder. If your child has one of these conditions but you feel they also have other difficulties, you may think about further assessment.
Apraxia is usually caused by damage to the parietal lobes or to nerve pathways that connect these lobes to other parts of the brain, such as frontal and/or temporal lobes. These areas store memories of learned sequences of movements. Less often, apraxia results from damage to other areas of the brain.
Dyspraxia is most commonly caused by stroke or acquired brain injury. There are 2 types of Dyspraxia: (1) Oral dyspraxia– difficulty with non-verbal tasks - when asked to do so (E.g. please poke out your tongue), however the person can perform non-verbal tasks successfully and automatically (E.g. licking an ice cream).
The exact cause of development disorder dyspraxia is unknown. However, it is speculated that injuries to the brain may result in dyspraxia. Injuries may occur while the baby is still within the womb. Sometimes it could be due to adequate development of the brain cells or due to lack of oxygen during birth.
Provide opportunities for regular practice of activities and exercises by involving your child in everyday activities such as cooking (mixing, spreading), household chores (folding clothes, putting away cutlery, mopping the floor) and simple games (catching a ball, hop scotch).
Sleeping difficulties, including wakefulness at night and nightmares. Growing awareness of difficulties, affecting confidence and self-esteem. May report physical symptoms such as headaches and feeling sick.
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.