What is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia, also known as developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), is a common disorder that affects movement and co-ordination. 

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Dyspraxia does not affect your intelligence. It can affect your co-ordination skills – such as tasks requiring balance, playing sports or learning to drive a car. Dyspraxia can also affect your fine motor skills, such as writing or using small objects. 

 

Symptoms of dyspraxia: 

 

Symptoms of dyspraxia can vary between individuals and may change over time. You may find routine tasks difficult. 

 

If you have dyspraxia it may affect: 

• Your co-ordination, balance and movement 

• How you learn new skills, think, and remember information at work and home 

• Your daily living skills, such as dressing or preparing meals 

• Your ability to write, type, draw and grasp small objects 

• How you function in social situations 

• How you deal with your emotions 

• Time management, planning and personal organisation skills 

 

When to see a GP: 

 

See a GP if you think you may have undiagnosed dyspraxia or problems with your co-ordination. It's a good idea to keep a diary of your symptoms.  

 

The GP may refer you to a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist for tests. They'll assess your movements and how your symptoms are affecting you before making a diagnosis.  

 

If you have dyspraxia, you may also have other conditions, such as: 

• ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) 

• Dyslexia 

• Autism 

• Difficulty learning or understanding maths (dyscalculia) 

• Depression or anxiety 

 

Treatment for dyspraxia: 

 

There is no cure for dyspraxia but there are therapies that can help with daily living, such as: 

• Occupational therapy – to help you find practical ways to remain independent and manage everyday tasks such as writing or preparing food 

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave 

 

It may also help if you: 

• Keep fit – you may find regular exercise helps with co-ordination, reduces feelings of fatigue and prevents you gaining weight 

• Learn how to use a computer or laptop if writing by hand is difficult 

• Use a calendar, diary or app to improve your organisation 

• Learn how to talk positively about your challenges and how you've overcome them 

• Get support from programmes such as Access to Work from Jobcentre Plus