Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) is associated with difficulties in planning and coordinating movements (fine/gross motor skills like writing, sports, dressing), speech delays, poor balance, and organizational challenges, often co-occurring with other conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and learning difficulties (like dyslexia), impacting daily living and academics, and having genetic links but unknown precise causes.
If you have dyspraxia, you may also have other conditions, such as: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) dyslexia. autism spectrum disorder.
Instead, most healthcare professionals use the term developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) to describe the condition.
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.
Dyspraxia is one of the neurodivergent conditions which generally affects movement and coordination, and remains one of the lesser understood neurodivergent conditions. It is also commonly referred to as DCD Development Coordination Disorder.
No, dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) is not autism, but they are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions that often co-occur and share overlapping traits, with dyspraxia primarily affecting motor skills and autism focusing on social communication and behavior, though both involve processing difficulties and can lead to coordination issues. Roughly half of autistic individuals experience dyspraxia, and many with dyspraxia also have autistic traits, creating unique support needs.
Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
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.
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.
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.
Dyspraxia can make it difficult for people to maintain attention and focus, especially when there are distractions and interruptions. Some people can also experience excessive tiredness.
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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.
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.
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.
As outlined above, there is apparent evidence for the involvement of the cerebellum, BG, and parietal lobes in DCD. Some other brain areas have sporadically been identified, including the insula/claustrum, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and frontal lobe (27).
Though there are careers that utilise the assets of dyspraxia, such as empathy, and leadership, more than others. These jobs include teaching, coaching, leadership, creative arts and business development, amongst other things.
The "6-second rule" for autism is a communication strategy where a speaker pauses for about six seconds after asking a question or giving information, giving the autistic person extra time to process it without feeling rushed, which helps reduce anxiety and allows for a more thoughtful response, reducing frustration for both parties. Instead of repeating or rephrasing, which can be confusing, you wait, and if needed, repeat the exact same words after the pause.
In particular, psychology professionals should study these seven learning disabilities:
Thumb-finding test. Your GP places your hands in a position of their choosing and then asks you to touch your thumb with your other thumb while your eyes are closed. Sequential finger-touching. Your GP will ask you to touch each of your fingers to your thumb, starting with your forefinger.
Dyspraxia can cause a wide range of issues with movement and coordination. Some of these may be noticeable at an early age, while others may only become obvious as your child gets older. Dyspraxia can affect your child's coordination skills, which can make riding a bicycle or playing sports difficult.
Dyspraxia Awareness Ribbon Purple & Blue Enamel Pin Badge / Brooch - Etsy UK.
Additionally, inherited genetic variations contribute greatly. Research shows that both mothers and fathers can carry autism-related gene variants. Some of these are common variants that increase the risk of autism, while others are rare mutations causing more severe effects.
Understanding the 6 stages of an autism meltdown can help parents, caregivers, and educators respond with empathy and support.
While the exact reasons are not yet clear, changes in how the disorder is defined, increases in screening, and more awareness certainly contribute to this increase. If you have any concerns about your child's development, speak to a healthcare professional about diagnostic tests.