Dyspraxia, also known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), is a neurological condition that affects an individual’s ability to plan, coordinate, and execute voluntary movements. It is considered a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects motor coordination and can impact various areas of daily life.
People with dyspraxia may experience difficulties with tasks such as writing, tying shoelaces, using cutlery, dressing, or participating in sports. They may have challenges with fine motor skills (such as gripping objects or manipulating small items) and gross motor skills (such as running, jumping, or balancing). Difficulties with spatial awareness, organization, time management, and perception of the environment are also common.
In addition to motor coordination difficulties, dyspraxia can affect other areas, including speech and language, perception, and social interaction. Individuals with dyspraxia may have trouble with expressive language skills, articulation, and planning and organizing their thoughts verbally.
The exact causes of dyspraxia are not fully understood, but it is believed to be a result of atypical brain development, possibly involving the connections between different parts of the brain responsible for motor coordination and planning. It is considered a lifelong condition, although with appropriate support and accommodations, individuals with dyspraxia can manage their difficulties and lead fulfilling lives.
If you suspect you or someone you know may have dyspraxia, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or a specialist in developmental disorders for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis. They can provide guidance on managing the condition and suggest appropriate interventions, therapies, and support strategies tailored to the individual’s needs.
- This specific learning disorder is focused on difficulties producing written language.
- The cause of dysgraphia isn’t always known, though in adults it sometimes follows a traumatic event.
- Once the condition is diagnosed, you can learn strategies to help overcome some of the challenges it presents in school and in life.
- People with dysgraphia often have trouble concentrating on other things while writing. This can make it difficult to take notes during class or a meeting because so much attention is being paid to getting each word down on paper. Other things that are said may be missed.
Some common characteristics of dysgraphia include:
- incorrect spelling and capitalization
- mix of cursive and print letters
- inappropriate sizing and spacing of letters
- difficulty copying words
- slow or labored writing
- difficulty visualizing words before writing them
- unusual body or hand position when writing
- tight hold on pen or pencil resulting in hand cramps
- watching your hand while you write
- saying words aloud while writing
- omitting letters and words from sentences
Dysgraphia symptoms typically change over time. Children with dysgraphia generally have trouble with the mechanics of writing and exhibit other fine-motor impairments, while dysgraphia in adolescents and adults manifests as difficulties with grammar, syntax, comprehension, and generally putting thoughts on paper.