DYSPRAXIA
Here’s an overview of the condition
Dyspraxia (or Developmental Co-ordination Disorder) is a complex neurological condition, which affects muscle co-ordination and perception. Perception includes vision, hearing and proprioception, or the awareness of where your limbs are in space. There may be developmental delays in some areas but heightened sensitivities or abilities in others.
Organisations who can help
https://dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/ helpline number: 01462 454986
What are the common traits in children
Dyspraxia (or Developmental Co-ordination Disorder) is a complex neurological condition, which affects muscle co-ordination and perception. Perception includes vision, hearing and proprioception, or the awareness of where your limbs are in space. There may be developmental delays in some areas but heightened sensitivities or abilities in others.
What are the common traits in adults
– History of physical awkwardness as a child, but may have developed coping or avoidance strategies as an adult
– Difficulty learning new motor skills or applying skills in a different or busy environment
– Difficulty handling tools and equipment such as a tin opener.
– Poor balance, tires easily.
– Can produce lots of writing or neat writing, but not both at the same time.
– Anxious and may avoid social situations where difficulties might be exposed
– Poor organisation and time management skills.
– Misses deadlines, late for appointments.
– Awkward pauses before answering questions
– Underachieves academically and in the workplace
https://dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/what_is_dyspraxia/dyspraxia-at-a-glance/
How is it diagnosed
Psychologist, paediatrician, occupational therapist.
How is it managed
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
Children
Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) cannot be cured, but there are ways to help your child manage their problems.
A small number of children, usually those with mild symptoms who are diagnosed early, may be able to learn how to overcome their difficulties.
However the vast majority of children need long-term help and will continue to be affected as teenagers and adults.
Once DCD has been diagnosed, a treatment plan tailored to your child’s particular difficulties can be made. This plan may involve a variety of specialists.
A treatment plan, combined with extra help at school, can help your child manage many of their physical difficulties, improve their general confidence and self-esteem, and help them to become a well-adjusted adult.
Healthcare professionals
Several healthcare professionals may be involved in your child’s care.
For example, your child may need help from a paediatric occupational therapist, who can assess their abilities in daily activities, such as:
– using cutlery
– dressing
– using the toilet
– playing
– fine movement activities such as writing
– A therapist may work with a child, their carers and their teachers to help find ways to manage any problems.
Your child may also receive help from a paediatric physiotherapist. They can assess their abilities and create a therapy plan especially for them, which may include activities to improve walking, running, balance and co-ordination, among others.
Other healthcare professionals involved in your child’s care may include:
a paediatrician – a doctor who specialises in the care of babies and children
an educational psychologist – a professional who helps children who are having trouble progressing with their education because of emotional, psychological or behavioural factors
Some of the interventions these health professionals may provide are outlined below.
Activity-oriented approach
One of the main types of intervention used to help children with DCD manage their condition is known as an activity-oriented approach.
This involves working with you and your child to identify specific activities that cause difficulties, and finding ways to overcome them.
For example, a therapist can help improve difficulties with specific movements by breaking the action down into small steps. They then teach your child to plan these individual movements and practice them regularly.
Your child may also benefit from adapting tasks to make them easier to do, such as adding special grips to pens to make them easier to hold, or wearing shoes with Velcro fasteners rather than shoelaces to make dressing easier.
Your child may be encouraged to exercise regularly as well, as this is generally considered to be beneficial for children with DCD.
Body-function-oriented approach
An alternative method to the task-oriented approach is the body-function-oriented approach. This is based on the theory that problems with your child’s senses or perception of their body may be contributing to their movement difficulties.
A body-function-oriented approach may involve activities aimed at improving your child’s general movement (motor) skills, rather than helping them with a particular task or activity.
However, this isn’t thought to be as effective as the activity-oriented approach.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/developmental-coordination-disorder-dyspraxia/treatment/