Dyspraxia affects motor skills and can cause developmental delays, hypersensitivity, and difficulty with concentration and social relationships. It is often undiagnosed, but early intervention with occupational and speech therapy can help. Coping skills can lead to success in adulthood, but undiagnosed adults may require therapy to overcome social stigma and a sense of failure.
Dyspraxia is a condition, usually present in early childhood, that affects motor skills. Occasionally, it can be caused by traumatic brain injury, but in most cases, the cause is unknown. It affects many aspects of development and learning and, in infants, a hesitation to crawl, difficulty learning to use cups and utensils, and delays in walking may indicate early symptoms. Because every child is unique, however, developmental delays may not be noticed.
Specific statistics on how many people have dyspraxia are hard to come by because the condition is often undiagnosed. Estimates range from 2% to 10% of the population. Males make up about 70-80% of diagnosed cases.
As the child ages, other aspects of this condition may develop. Children may be hypersensitive to clothing or brushing their teeth or hair. Writing is very difficult. Peer relationships are often stunted due to obsessive or paranoid behavior. Other children often spot dyspraxic children in the school environment, which can lead to a life of loneliness.
Furthermore, maintaining concentration in class is difficult for those with dyspraxia. The most marked is a tendency towards clumsiness, and the condition was once labeled “clumsy child” syndrome. Fortunately, this term has largely been dropped, as it simply contributes to the social stigma these children may face.
Because both their fine and gross motor skills are affected, dyspraxic children have difficulty playing competitive sports, learning to ride a bike, and navigating crowded public forums such as shopping malls or school playgrounds. Learning to tie your shoes or dress easily can also be affected. These skills, which seem so difficult for a child with the condition to achieve, cause increasing frustration for the child. Undiagnosed children may act out and display immaturity in social settings.
Children with the condition are often accused of not trying, even though they are actually trying very hard. They are usually quite intelligent and quite capable of understanding that despite their best efforts, their work is not comparable to that of other children. Poor organizational skills, difficulties with spelling, and laborious writing increase the child’s frustration and can lead to significant depression. Dyspraxia is also linked to ADHD, which can increase problems at home and at school.
Dyspraxia in adults can create challenges with daily activities and expectations. Driving is often difficult and cleaning and cooking can be challenging, as can remembering appointments. Dyspraxic adults may also have difficulty controlling the pitch and articulation of their voice and are easily misunderstood by others. Keeping a job can be one of the biggest obstacles and can lead to great frustration and depression.
An early diagnosis of dyspraxia is crucial in helping both children and adults manage the condition. Neurologists diagnose this condition by studying a child’s development and physical history and performing learning tests. Since problem does not mean lack of intelligence, those who develop coping skills can be very successful later in life. Early interventions include occupational therapy to address motor coordination, speech therapy, and possibly play therapy for children or mainstream therapy for adults. Parenting a dyspraxic child requires a lot of patience and understanding.
Adults with dyspraxia who understand and are able to communicate with employers and friends about their condition often lead normal lives and have productive and fulfilling jobs and relationships. If not diagnosed until adulthood, however, the long-standing burden of social stigma and a sense of failure may require therapy before achieving success. There are many support groups for adults and children to help cope.
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