Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a neurological condition in children that makes it hard to plan and perform smooth, coordinated movements, leading to clumsiness, poor balance, and difficulty with daily tasks like writing, dressing, or sports. It affects fine and gross motor skills, organization, and sometimes speech, though intelligence isn't impacted. Symptoms include trouble with handwriting, catching a ball, doing up buttons, and general awkwardness, often diagnosed in primary school and managed with therapies like occupational therapy.
Children may have difficulty with:
In the past, it was known as 'clumsy child syndrome', as it was thought that it only affected children. However, this is not the case - people do not 'grow out of' dyspraxia. The effects remain the same as people get older, although they tend to learn how to manage their difficulties better with time.
No, dyspraxia and autism are distinct neurological conditions, but they often overlap and co-occur, with many people having both; the main difference is that dyspraxia primarily affects motor coordination, while autism primarily impacts social communication, though both involve challenges in brain processing and can share symptoms like sensory issues or difficulties with planning.
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.
While dyspraxia and ADHD can have different signs, they can also have similar signs. Dyspraxia is a motor-related diagnosis, whereas ADHD is a neurodevelopmental diagnosis. Both dyspraxia and ADHD can co-occur with each other. One condition can easily be misdiagnosed for another.
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. Find out more about symptoms of DCD in children.
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.
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.
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.
The following famous people with dyspraxia have done exactly that by using their talents to help them overcome their challenges:
Delays in reaching expected developmental milestones can be an early sign of dyspraxia in babies and toddlers. For example, your child may take longer than expected to roll over, sit, crawl or walk.
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.
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.
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.
One of the main types of intervention used to help children with DCD manage their condition is known as an activity-oriented approach. This involves working with you and your child to identify specific activities that cause difficulties, and finding ways to overcome them.
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.
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.
Does anything make it worse? A person with verbal dyspraxia may find it more difficult to speak when they are tired or feel pressured to speak. It is important to give the person time to speak and don't force them into trying to speak if they don't want to.
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.
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.
A: Both parents can carry genes associated with autism, even if they don't show any signs themselves. These genes can be passed down to children through either the mother, the father, or both.
Even so, there are some early signs which may indicate that a child has dyspraxia. Being slow to reach infant milestones such as rolling over, sitting up and learning to walk can be red flags as can clumsiness, finding it difficult to dress or feed themselves or walk up and down stairs.
Famous People Who Have Dyspraxia: Einstein - was unable to tie his shoes laces even as an adult. Daniel Radcliffe - actor. David Bailey - photographer. Many people who have Dyspraxia are creative, such as, writers and artists they have a unique way of thinking which can contribute so much to other peoples lives.
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.