What is Dyspraxia?
Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a condition affecting physical co-ordination. It causes a child to perform less well than expected in daily activities for their age, and appear to move clumsily.
Symptoms
Early developmental milestones of crawling, walking, self-feeding and dressing may be delayed in young children with DCD. Drawing, writing and performance in sports are also usually behind what is expected for their age.
Although signs of the condition are present from an early age, children vary widely in their rate of development. This means a definite diagnosis of DCD does not usually happen until a child with the condition is 5 years old or more.
Information and Support
Dyspraxia foundation - https://dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk
Route to diagnosis
f you're concerned about your child's health or development, talk to a GP or health visitor, or speak to a nurse, doctor or special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) at school.
They may refer your child to an occupational therapist, paediatrician, or another health professional who can assess them and try to identify any developmental problems.
At school we would support with the guidance from the schools therapies pack and then refer to the OT.