What is Dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia is a form of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) that affects fine and gross motor coordination in adults and children. Dyspraxia is known to be a lifelong condition that can also have an impact on an individual’s speech. It is also very different from other motor disorders such as stroke. Dyspraxia can pose a challenge in education and employment.
Dyspraxia in Adults
Symptoms can manifest differently in people and can affect movement ranging from small to large. Here are a few examples:
Symptoms related to small movements:
- Difficulty typing, writing and drawing
- Difficulty in using tools such as locks and keys due to an inadequate grasp
- Difficulty in grooming activity e.g. doing their hair and makeup, or shaving
- Difficulty in two-handed tasks e.g. using cutlery, cooking, cleaning and playing instruments.
Symptoms related to large movements:
- Poor posture: people with Dyspraxia struggle to stand for long as a result of weak muscles – joint instability is common.
- Poor balance: people with Dyspraxia may find it hard to ride bikes
- Weak hand-eye coordination: they struggle to play sports that involve catching a ball and batting. Some would also find driving difficult.
- A tendency to fall and bump into things
- Lack of rhythm
For more information on the symptoms of Dyspraxia in adults please visit The Dyspraxia Foundation website.
The Difference Between Dyslexia and Dyspraxia
Although both can manifest as learning difficulties that can be noticeable in adults and children, there is a difference. Dyslexia is related to the literacy aspects of things, such as reading and writing. Whereas, Dyspraxia is related to movement and planning difficulties.
The Similarities Between Dyslexia and Dyspraxia
Neither of these learning difficulties is related to intelligence. In fact, people that have these learning difficulties tend to be holistic problem solvers. In terms of what they struggle with, both have a negative impact on learning style, organisation and memory.
To find out more on what is common between dyslexia and dyspraxia, please visit The Read and Spell website.
Strategies for Coping with Dyspraxia?
Occupational therapy can assist your child further by breaking down fine motor skills enabling them to practice the different movements. In addition, assistive technology can help people with Dyspraxia.
For more information on how to cure Dyspraxia, please visit the Understood website.