Advice & resources
Dyspraxia and developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD)
How co-ordination difficulties can affect everyday activities, learning and confidence.
What is dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia is a term commonly used for developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), which affects movement and co-ordination. It can affect precise hand movements, larger body movements, or both. Difficulties vary between people and can become more noticeable as everyday demands change.
It can affect children and continue into adult life. It is different from dyslexia, although a person can experience both.
How can it affect everyday life?
Activities such as handwriting, catching a ball and learning to ride a bike can be difficult. Other tasks that need co-ordination, such as dressing, handling small objects or using a keyboard, may also take more effort.
For adults, learning to drive or learning a new practical skill at home or work can be challenging. Writing a report may bring together demands on handwriting or typing, planning and organisation. The impact depends on the individual and the task; a list of examples cannot diagnose DCD.
Speech, language or other difficulties may also need attention. They should be considered in their own right rather than assumed to have one explanation.
Finding appropriate assessment and support
If co-ordination difficulties affect daily life, speak to a GP or, for a child, discuss your concerns with their school as well. A healthcare professional can consider whether referral to a specialist, such as an occupational therapist, is appropriate. Changes in movement or worsening symptoms should not simply be assumed to be developmental dyspraxia.
Keeping a note of activities that are difficult, when the difficulties began and what helps can make these conversations easier.
Learning with co-ordination difficulties
Support should reflect the tasks someone wants to manage. Allowing time to practise, breaking activities into manageable steps and considering alternatives to lengthy handwritten work can make learning more accessible. Discuss movement-related programmes with a suitably qualified professional.
Dyslexiam’s current services focus on dyslexia assessment, screening and specialist teaching. Kim has experience supporting learners with dyspraxia. You can discuss reading, spelling or study difficulties and whether literacy or study-skills support would be helpful. This is not a medical diagnosis of DCD or an offer of occupational therapy.
Talk things through with Kim
Not sure what this means for you or your child? You can talk things through with Kim before deciding what support might be helpful.
Book a free 30-minute conversation