What is developmental coordination disorder (DCD)/dyspraxia?
Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), often referred to as dyspraxia, affects the development of motor coordination and can have a significant impact on everyday life.
Someone with DCD/dyspraxia will have a longstanding history of motor skill difficulties beginning in childhood. If motor difficulties are new or have significantly worsened, they need to be medically investigated rather than assumed to be developmental.
Difficulties can affect fine motor skills, such as handwriting, using cutlery, wrapping presents, cutting with scissors, pouring drinks or managing self-care tasks.
Aiming and catching may also be difficult - for example, catching a ball with one hand or accurately throwing something towards a target - while balance and gross motor skills can affect activities such as running or quickly changing direction.
Being sporty doesn't rule out DCD/dyspraxia. Some people develop excellent skills through practice and may find individual activities such as cycling, swimming or climbing easier than team sports requiring rapid coordination with other people.
Other physical difficulties can sometimes cause similar symptoms, including hypermobility-related conditions, so it's important to consider the wider picture.
It isn't just about coordination.
DCD/dyspraxia can affect much more than physical coordination.
People may also experience difficulties with planning and organisation, telling the time on an analogue clock, finding their way around unfamiliar places or reading maps.
Some people also report sensory sensitivities or difficulties with emotional regulation although everyone's profile is different.
Does DCD/dyspraxia limit what someone can achieve?
Absolutely not. Motor difficulties may mean someone needs different strategies, more practice or adjustments but they don't determine that person's potential.
Over the years, I've worked with people with DCD/dyspraxia in a wide range of careers, including surgeons, secondary school teachers, events organisers, counsellors and comedians.
I've also worked with people whose jobs involve driving. Some needed additional lessons while learning but went on to drive successfully as part of their working lives.
Understanding your individual profile can help identify where support or adjustments may be useful while recognising the strengths you bring too.
For people aged 16+: Dyspraxia/DCD can be explored as a specific learning difficulty (rather than as a medical condition) alongside an assessment for dyslexia or dyscalculia.
Already had a diagnostic assessment? If this was recent, I may instead be able to offer a shorter supplementary assessment to explore DCD/dyspraxia. As a guide, this usually means an assessment completed within the last two years for secondary students or five years for adults.
Please contact me to discuss which option is appropriate for you.