Does your child suffer from dyspraxia?

The Dyspraxia Foundation defines the disorder in these words: "Developmental dyspraxia is an impairment or immaturity of the organization of movement. It is an immaturity in the way that the brain processes information, which results in messages not being properly or fully transmitted. The term dyspraxia comes from the word praxis, which means 'doing, acting'. Dyspraxia affects the planning of what to do and how to do it. It is associated with problems of perception, language and thought."

Developmental dyspraxia is the type a child is born with. If dyspraxia occurs in adulthood, it is due to a head injury, a stroke, or a brain disease.

It is estimated that 10% of the population suffer from some degree of dyspraxia. About 2% have severe cases and boys are four times more likely to suffer the disability than girls. Sometimes it runs in families.

Symptoms of Dyspraxia in Babies

Infants with dyspraxia usually exhibit symptoms early. From birth these babies are apt to be fussy and irritable and have problems feeding.

The achievement of major motor milestones may be delayed. He will not sit up, roll over, crawl, or stand up as early as other children. Sometimes, a child with dyspraxia will not get past the crawling stage.

Others will skip crawling completely, preferring to shuffle along on their bottoms before beginning to walk.

They will often avoid tasks and toys which require hand coordination and fine motor skills.

Symptoms of Dyspraxia in Preschool Children

These children seem to never sit still. Even when seated, their feet will be swinging, their hands moving, and their bodies twisting. When on the floor, they'll run, bump into things and often fall over. While running, they may flap their arms or hands.

They are easily excited, may have temper tantrums and scream with loud, shrill voices. They often have persistent problems with receptive and expressive language. They may be slow to respond to oral instructions and others may have trouble understanding their words.

They will have difficulty pedaling a tricycle, and will avoid activities requiring fine motor skill such as doing jigsaw puzzles, building with blocks, drawing, coloring or using scissors.

Preschool children with dyspraxia will be messy eaters, preferring to use their fingers. They'll often spill drinks.

They have no fear and may walk straight into dangerous situations, such as crossing a busy street or jumping from heights.

They will not indulge in imaginative or creative play. They won't like dressing up, playing cowboys, playing house or pretending to be pirates.

They have limited concentration spans and will often leave projects unfinished.

They are very sensitive to sensory stimulation. They will not like loud noises, wearing new clothes, or being touched unexpectedly.

Symptoms of Dyspraxia in Children of Elementary-school Age

These children have difficulty adjusting to a structured routine. In school, they'll have special problems with concentration, listening skills, printing and writing, Physical Education classes, drawing, copying and Language activities.

They will be slow dressing, have trouble tying shoe laces, doing up buttons or using a knife and fork.

They will continue to be very active, extremely emotional and easily upset.

They will not make friends with other children easily and may prefer adult company.

They may have sleep difficulties and complain of nightmares.

School-age children with this disability will often come up with physical symptoms: headaches, upset stomach, or just "not feeling well".

High School Students with Dyspraxia

By this age, if they have had no therapy or support, they will be very sure that school is not for them and these teens are apt to have very poor attendance records.

There is no cure for dyspraxia, but rehabilitation can do much to strengthen individual weak areas. Some children naturally outgrow the condition, others will carry it into adulthood. Early identification and treatment by a coordinated team of a pediatric neurologist, the family doctor, a speech therapist, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and the Special Education staff of the local school board will give the child the best chance to lead a happy and productive life.