Understanding Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia is also known as Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD). The disorder is known to co-exist with other medical conditions such as ADHD, dysgraphia, sensory processing issues, and mental health issues, like anxiety, autism.

Diagnoses and Symptoms

There are several signs that are evident from an early age. Inability to reach developmental milestones may point towards motor skills-related issues. Not being able to crawl, sit or roll over as per age can be observed in infants.

In older children some signs are difficulty in running, jumping, going up and down the stairs, getting dressed, poor eye coordination, poor balance, poor posture, speech issues. Some children may also show other behavioural signs such as felling isolated, lack of focus, low self-esteem etc.

Dyspraxia is also known as developmental coordination disorder. It causes problems with planning, coordination and implementing tasks which involve motor skills. This also effects skills like writing. Visual-spatial ability is also poor. The person is clumsy, often bumping into things or dropping them. The role of the Occupational therapist is very important in assessing these children by evaluating their daily living skills like dressing, playing etc and providing appropriate therapies. – Radha Tandon, Founder-Director, Praangan Education Trust

Causes & therapies

The movement and coordination in bodies is controlled by the transfer of signals between the brain and nerves. When that is not working properly, coordinating the movements becomes difficult.

There are many factors that may cause dyspraxia such as :

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Family history of the condition
• Use of alcohol or drugs during pregnancy

DCD can be managed to some extent with therapy.

Dr Rashmi Patanwadia, an occupational therapist at the Government SSG Hospital in Baroda says, “Some effective treatments include occupational therapy, perceptual motor training and active play. “ Depending on the needs of the child, training can be given to learn motor skills.

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