DYSPRAXIA

DCD is the medical term for Dyspraxia. In essence, DCD means difficulty in planning, organising or executing movements, in the absence of neurological or intellectual impairment. DCD is a common neurodevelopment disorder. Approximately 3-4% of children may qualify for the diagnosis of DCD. Check my blog on Warning signs of Dyspraxia to understand the common warning signs and to know how it is diagnosed.

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• Medically known as ‘Developmental Coordination Disorder or DCD’

• Difficulty with buttoning/unbuttoning, zips, getting ready

• Left–right confusion, wear clothes inside out/back to front

• Messy eating, prefers to eat with hands

• Slow and immature handwriting, despite practice

• Poor ball catching and throwing skills

• Some use left and right hand interchangeably

• Clumsy with running and team sports

• Shy from sports or physical activity

• Significant emotional and behavioural problems

• Physical complaints to avoid work e.g. hands ache with writing

• Can lead to being tearful, anxious, depressed, isolated, withdrawn

• Has impact on learning, achievement, relationships

Management Options:

• Provide you with a clear diagnostic report confirming or ruling out Dyspraxia/DCD

• Offer you information about local and national sources of support and information

• Give you DCD-specific strategies

• Supply you with necessary interventions and adaptations

• Advice regarding an Occupational Therapy review, when required

• You could use medical report e.g. to gain extra support at school, claim allowances

• You will feel empowered to enable your child from this holistic assessment and action plan

• Present you with an option for follow-up, if required