Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a condition affecting physical co-ordination. It causes a child to perform less well than expected in daily activities for their age, and appear to move clumsily.

In some instances, both diagnoses are decided upon, particularly if motor skills are significantly affected, but dyspraxia itself is not a form of autism.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and dyslexia are both neurodevelopmental disorders with high prevalence in children. Both disorders have strong genetic basis, and share similar social communication deficits co-occurring with impairments of reading or language.

The condition is known to ‘unfold’ over time, as, with age, some symptoms may improve, some may worsen and some may appear.

In the U.S., dyspraxia is not considered a specific learning disability . But it is considered a disability, and it can impact learning. If you google the term “dyspraxia” you may see it described as a “motor learning disability.” It’s often called this in the U.K. and other countries.

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.

Both anxiety and depression seem to be more common in Dyspraxia. Both of these affect sleep. Anxiety makes it even more difficult to switch off the night-time processing. Depression can either make you sleep at inappropriate times (thus disrupting your body clock) and/or makes it more difficult to sleep altogether.

Increasing frustration and lowering of self-esteem can result. Children with dyspraxia may demonstrate some of these types of behaviour: Very high levels of motor activity, including feet swinging and tapping when seated, hand-clapping or twisting. Unable to stay still.

Dyspraxia, a form of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a common disorder affecting fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech. DCD is a lifelong condition, formally recognised by international organisations including the World Health Organisation.

Dyspraxia can make it difficult for children to develop social skills, and they may have trouble getting along with peers. Though they are intelligent, these children may seem immature and some may develop phobias and obsessive behavior.

Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) – often referred to as dyspraxia – suffer much higher levels of emotional distress than their classmates and are frequently anxious and downhearted, research to be highlighted at this month’s ESRC Festival of Social Science shows.

10 practical tips for teaching dyspraxic children

1. One thing at a time. Rather than give children a string of instructions, focus on giving just one instruction at a time.
2. Repeat.
3. Tick-off.
4. Avoid comparisons.
5. Strategic placement.
6. Materials.
7. Praise.
8. Chunk.

Description. Dyspraxia refers to difficulties with coordinated movement in which messages from the brain are not effectively transmitted to the body. It can result from acute damage to the brain (as might be caused by a head injury or stroke) or be a part of a dementing disorder that develops gradually later in life.

Many adults who have dyspraxia experience few problems in the workplace and have developed their own strategies for working effectively. They are often determined, persistent, hard working and highly motivated. They are often creative and original thinkers as well as strategic problem solvers.

DCD/Dyspraxia is often recognised as a movement disorder, but the emotional effects can be deeply felt. Without the right recognition and support, dyspraxia/DCD can lead to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, particularly for adults who experience difficulties in higher education and at work.

There is increasing evidence of associated anxiety, depression, behavioural disorders and low self-esteem in children, teenagers and young adults with dyspraxia/DCD: • Children with DCD exhibit more aggressive behaviour that age-matched controls (Chen et al 2009).

For me, dyspraxia has always had a significant impact on my love life, from not being able to hold cutlery on a date, to completely missing my partner’s face when I go in for a kiss. The idea of explaining these shortcomings to a new romantic partner fills me with crippling anxiety.

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.

The key feature of dyspraxia is difficulties with coordination, but it can also involve problems with organisation, memory, concentration and speech. It is a disability that affects the way the brain processes information, which results in messages not being properly or fully transmitted.

Dyspraxia makes it hard to organize physical movements. For example, a child might want to walk across the living room carrying their schoolbooks, but they can’t manage to do it without tripping, bumping into something, or dropping the books. Other signs and symptoms may include: unusual posture.