Symptoms of Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia is a common developmental disorder that affects movement and coordination. It is clinically known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).
As a lifelong disorder, it is important to understand dyspraxia symptoms in order to get a diagnosis and begin taking steps to cope better with the disorder. Dyspraxia is distinct from other motor conditions such as cerebral palsy and stroke, though similarities may be shared. A healthcare professional can assist you with your diagnosis to get you access to the help you need.
Recognising the symptoms of dyspraxia will provide a solid foundation for you to know whether to seek further help with your condition. Note that the following information is not intended for self-diagnosis, but to help you identify dyspraxia symptoms that will lead to professional diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of Dyspraxia in Children
In most cases, dyspraxia will develop during childhood. As children develop at different rates, it is difficult to identify whether a child has dyspraxia until they reach age five.
It is important to note that dyspraxia symptoms differ between childhood and adulthood.
Infants with dyspraxia may:
- Have delays in reaching certain developmental milestones such as sitting, walking and talking
- Display unusual postures during their first year
- Have difficulty playing with toys that involve good coordination (e.g. stacking bricks)
- Have difficulty learning to use cutlery
As a coordination disorder, many dyspraxia symptoms will become more noticeable as your child gets older, such as difficulty with:
- Playground activities such as hopping, jumping, running, and catching or kicking a ball
- Walking up and down stairs
- Writing, drawing (they may have comparatively messy handwriting and drawings), and using scissors
- Getting dressed, doing up buttons, or tying shoelaces
- Keeping still
Symptoms of Dyspraxia in Adults
Dyspraxia in adults manifests differently than in children. In adults, dyspraxia symptoms are not linked to developmental milestones, but instead how the condition can affect your adult life.
Symptoms of dyspraxia in adults include any of the following being affected:
- Coordination, balance, or movement
- How you learn new skills, think, and remember information
- Daily living skills (e.g. dressing or preparing meals)
- Ability to type, write, draw, or grasp small objects
- How you function in social situations
- How you deal with your emotions
- Time management, planning, and personal organisation skills
Treatment for Dyspraxia
Though there is no permanent cure, there are various methods and strategies which can help you cope with the symptoms of dyspraxia.
Some children with mild cases grow out of their dyspraxia symptoms, but many will require treatment in the form of assistance from a paediatrician, clinical psychologist, or educational psychologist. They can develop a plan to help your child overcome their difficulties dealing with certain tasks.
Dyspraxia in adults is more frequently treated with occupational therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Occupational therapy is focused more on helping you physically overcome your challenges with dyspraxia symptoms practically, whereas CBT is focused on changing how you think about yourself and your condition to overcome these difficulties.
To receive the right treatment, you must receive a professional diagnosis. Dyspraxia can be confused with and even joined by other conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia and autism. A professional diagnosis can give you clarity and peace of mind.
If you would like more information about the topics discussed in this post, or would like to receive advice and guidance on dyspraxia, please visit our locations page to find your local Imaan pharmacy.