DCD (dyspraxia)
Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) or dyspraxia
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a common disorder affecting fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It causes a child to perform less well than expected in daily activities for their age and appear to move clumsily. They may drop or bump into objects frequently and may demonstrate slowness and inaccuracy with motor skills, such as catching an object, using scissors or cutlery, handwriting, riding a bike or participating in sports.
Motor skills will appear significantly below the level expected for their age and the opportunities they have had to learn and use these skills. Their lack of motor skills will significantly and persistently affect their day-to-day activities. Symptoms will have been evident from an early stage of their development.
Dyspraxia is the result of disruption in the way messages are passed between the brain and the body. The cause of this disruption is not yet clear. But, being born early and having a low birth weight both raise the risk. Also, a family history of coordination difficulties raises the likelihood. Dyspraxia is not caused by illness or injury. It is something you are born with and lasts throughout your life.
Dyspraxia affects around 5% of school-aged children. Around 2% of children are severely affected. Watch a video explaining more about DCD (dyspraxia) here.
For more information about DCD (dyspraxia), see the links below:
Please speak to your class teacher if you have any questions or concerns about your child and their progress.