Dyspraxia/ DCD
Dyspraxia, otherwise known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a common disorder affecting fine and/or gross motor skills coordination, in both children and adults
Dyspraxia / Developmental Co-ordination Disorder
What it is
- Dyspraxia, otherwise known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a common disorder affecting fine and/or gross motor skills coordination in both children and adults.
- Many non-motor difficulties may also be experienced by people with the condition and can have a significant impact on daily life activities. These include memory, perception, and processing, as well as additional problems with planning, organising, and carrying out movements in the right order in everyday situations. Dyspraxia can also affect articulation and speech (Dyspraxia Foundation, 2015). It is a lifelong condition.
What it means
- Dyspraxia/DCD can affect almost every part of an individual’s life and makes living and learning more challenging. Many of the skills other people take for granted or seem to just ‘do’ have to be taught, learned, and practised; they do not come naturally. Dyspraxic learners are often frustrated if the issues they are experiencing are not recognised and responded to appropriately.
- Dyspraxic individuals find it difficult to copy movements demonstrated by someone else, and they may appear inefficient or awkward in the way they carry out activities/tasks. They have an inconsistent learning performance and weak perceptual-motor skills. They benefit from support and encouragement in class and other environments, which will allow them to feel more comfortable and more likely to engage, while keeping their self-esteem afloat. Dyspraxia/DCD affects each individual differently, ranging from mild to severe. Many learners fall somewhere between the two extremes and are dependent on appropriate support in all environments to reach their potential.
- The structure of secondary and further education may prove too difficult for the learner, and their struggles may become more evident as a result. If needs are not met, they may become disaffected and exhibit challenging behaviour.
Prevalence
- At least 5% of the population in varying degrees.
- Dyspraxia/DCD can present as a unique condition but often co-exists with other SpLD.
Routes to identification
- Checklists
- Medical diagnosis via a GP with referral to a Paediatrician and Occupational Therapist (OT) and/or Physiotherapist (PT).
- A cognitive assessment by an educational psychologist or specialist teacher may highlight working memory and speed of processing weaknesses.