Dyspraxia is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects coordination and movement. Healthcare professionals typically refer to this condition as developmental coordination disorder (DCD).
People with DCD have difficulty planning and completing fine and gross motor tasks. These tasks can range from simple motor movements, such as waving goodbye, to more complex ones, such as sequencing the steps to brush one’s teeth.
DCD is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s balance, coordination, and motor skills, including the following types of movement:
- Fine motor skills: small movements, such as using a pencil
- Gross motor skills: large movements, such as kicking a ball
- Motor planning: tasks with multiple steps, such as tying a shoe
This condition does not affect a person’s intelligence.
DCD affects an estimated
A 2021 study found that many women met the criteria for probable DCD but that few had reported receiving an accurate diagnosis.
The authors state that this may be due to a lack of awareness and understanding of how DCD presents in women. They also suggest that females may be more capable of masking their symptoms.
Is DCD a form of neurodivergence?
DCD is a form of neurodivergence. It can also occur alongside other forms of neurodivergence, such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorder.
The authors of one
Symptoms of DCD can vary from person to person and can change over time. DCD can affect:
- coordination
- balance
- movement
- learning and memory
- social functioning
- time management
- planning and organization skills
- a person’s ability to:
- dress
- prepare meals
- write
- type
- draw
- pick up objects
It can also lead to increased fatigue.
People with DCD may also have:
- strong problem-solving skills
- determination
- creative and lateral thinking
DCD symptoms can vary depending on a person’s age. Some symptoms might be more noticeable at an early age and others at an older age.
DCD can cause delays in reaching typical developmental milestones. For example, a child may take longer than expected to learn how to:
A parent or caregiver may also notice that the infant:
- displays atypical postures in their first year
- has difficulty learning how to use cutlery
- has difficulty with tasks that require coordination, such as stacking blocks
In older children
As a child gets older, they may have more noticeable symptoms relating to movement and coordination. They may bump into things, fall over often, or drop things. They may also have difficulty with tasks such as:
- using the stairs
- writing and drawing
- using scissors
- getting dressed
- tying shoelaces
- fastening buttons
- keeping still
- jumping, running, and playing sports
- coordinating the movements necessary to speak clearly
DCD can affect a child’s performance in school. For example, they may have difficulty:
- concentrating, following instructions, and copying information
- staying organized
- learning new skills
- making friends
While DCD does not affect a person’s intelligence, it can make learning more challenging. Children may benefit from one-on-one teaching and may need encouragement and repetition.
It is also important for parents, teachers, and caregivers to keep an eye on the child’s mental health. The symptoms of DCD may contribute to low self-esteem and feelings of frustration.
Scientists do not yet know what causes DCD. Experts believe the condition may occur when motor neurons (the nerve cells that control a person’s muscles) do not develop correctly. If motor neurons cannot form proper connections for any reason, the brain will take much longer to process data.
According to the Disability and Dyslexia Service at the Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom, studies suggest that DCD may be caused by an immaturity of neuron development in the brain, rather than by any specific brain damage.
A child may have an increased risk of developing DCD if they:
- were born prematurely
- have a low birth weight
- have a family history of DCD
- have a birthing parent who used drugs or consumed alcohol during pregnancy
A clinical psychologist, an educational psychologist, a pediatrician, or an occupational therapist can diagnose DCD. Any parent or caregiver who suspects that their child may have DCD should speak with a doctor.
When carrying out an assessment for DCD, a healthcare professional will ask questions about the child’s developmental history, intellectual ability, and gross and fine motor skills.
The evaluator will need to know when and how the child reached developmental milestones such as walking, crawling, and speaking. They will assess the child’s balance, touch sensitivity, and variations in walking activities.
There are therapies available to help a person develop coping strategies for any difficulties they have as a result of DCD.
Occupational therapy
An occupational therapist will evaluate how a child manages everyday tasks both at home and at school. They will then help the child develop skills specific to the daily activities they find difficult.
Speech and language therapy
A speech-language pathologist will assess the child’s speech and then implement a treatment plan to help them communicate more effectively.
Perceptual motor training
This therapy involves improving the child’s language, visual, movement, and hearing skills. The child receives a series of tasks to complete that gradually become more advanced. The goal is to challenge the child so that they improve, but not so much that it becomes frustrating or stressful.
Equine therapy
Equine therapy, or hippotherapy, involves interacting with horses. According to a 2022 review, this can be a beneficial therapy for people with developmental disorders, including DCD.
Interacting with horses promotes:
- autonomy
- self-esteem
- self-efficacy
- openness to others
It can also help improve anxiety and depression symptoms.
Active play
Active play is any play that involves physical activity. It can occur outdoors or indoors and helps improve motor activity. Play is a way for children to learn about the environment and about themselves.
In young children, active play combines physical and emotional learning, language development, spatial awareness, and the development of the senses.
The more children take part in active play, the better they will become at successfully interacting with other children.
Dyspraxia, or DCD, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects balance, coordination, and movement. DCD affects a person’s fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and motor planning. It does not affect intelligence.
DCD seems to be more common in males than in females. However, the condition may be underdiagnosed in females. Researchers have not yet found the causes of DCD, but factors such as premature birth, low birth weight, and family history of the condition can increase a child’s risk of developing it.
The symptoms of DCD can vary from person to person. Parents and caregivers should speak with a doctor if they notice any symptoms of DCD. A variety of therapies can help a person develop coping skills for any challenges the condition may cause.
