It is often associated with other neurological conditions, such as autism.
Dyspraxia is sometimes known as motor learning difficulties, perceptual-motor dysfunction, and developmental coordination disorder (DCD).
This condition develops during childhood and continues into adulthood.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
Depending on the severity, dyspraxia can affect your quality of life and independence.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
What Is Dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia means a deficit in carrying out coordinated movements and actions.
The diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is used when symptoms begin during early childhood.
Apraxia vs. Dyspraxia
Apraxiais defined as the inability to carry out purposeful actions.
These conditions can lead to difficulty with self-care tasks, such as eating or shaving.
Dyspraxia vs. Ataxia
Ataxiais another neurological problem that can be confused with dyspraxia.
These conditions are not the same.
Ataxia is a lack of coordination, with the inability to control simple movements.
Stroke, dementia, and neurodegenerative movement disorders that occur during adulthood are common causes of ataxia.
Dyspraxia vs Dyslexia
Dyslexiais a learning disability distinct from dyspraxia that begins during childhood.
Symptoms of Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia is characterized by difficulties in planning and completing tasks that require coordinated movements.
Routine actions, including walking or purposefully using the hands and arms, can also be challenging.
These terms are no longer used by healthcare professionals.
Many neurotypical children will obtain these skills by watching adults and other children and imitating their actions.
What Causes Dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia is considered a congenital (present at birth) or neurodevelopmental problem with several different potential causes.
It could develop due to genetic, environmental, or impaired brain development.
Several genetic changes have been associated with dyspraxia.
De novo genetic changes are those that occur for the first time in the affected person’s genes.
These changes were not present in their parents' genes and were not inherited.
How Dyspraxia Is Diagnosed
The diagnosis of dyspraxia involves a team of healthcare professionals.
They can evaluate your or your child’s medical history, risk factors, and abilities.
A physician, usually a pediatricneurologist, will consider the underlying medical issues to reach a diagnosis.
This process may involvegenetic testingorbrain imaging tests.
Dyspraxia may occur alongside another neurodevelopmental condition, such asautismorattention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).
Treatment Options for Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia treatment can be approached in several ways.
No medication or surgery can be used for the treatment of dyspraxia.
The interventions are all active therapies that require your participation or your childs participation.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy requires working with a therapist to help build practical day-to-day skills.
Speech and Language Therapy
Sometimes, dyspraxia can make it difficult to coordinate speech.
Perceptual Motor Training
One of the challenges of dyspraxia is difficulty in perceiving the outside world.
Equine Therapy for Dyspraxia
Equinetherapy involves working with horses.
There may be an increased risk of developing dyspraxia if a family member has the condition.
What to Expect
Children with dyspraxia have a range of abilities and outcomes.
The condition emerges during early childhood and can vary in severity.
2023;14(10):1843. doi:10.3390/genes14101843
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Developmental dyspraxia.
