Understanding dyspraxia
Dyspraxia affects each person in different ways. Students may need support in specific areas or with a range of day-to-day tasks.
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Defining dyspraxia
Developmental dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a neurologically based impairment that may affect any or all areas of development – physical, intellectual, emotional, sensory, social, and language.
An animation explaining Abi Hocking’s experience of dyspraxia.
No captions or transcript
Dyspraxia is sometimes called a "hidden disorder". Students with dyspraxia may appear to be no different from their peers until they try to learn new skills or known ones are taken out of their usual context.
Dyspraxia often occurs with, or as part of, other neurological conditions, which can make it difficult to diagnose. It is extremely inconsistent in its presentation and affects children in different ways, at different ages and developmental stages.
Dyspraxia can be acquired through damage to the brain by accident, stroke, or illness. This is called Acquired Dyspraxia.
Source: Dyspraxia Support Group
Indications of dyspraxia
Dr. Sheldon Horowitz, of the National Centre for Learning Disabilites, explains dyspraxia.
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Although every student with dyspraxia experiences it differently, they often experience challenges in the areas outlined in the table below.
| Gross motor skills | Fine motor coordination | Self-organisation |
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Adapted from Lexxic: Dyspraxia
How dyspraxia influences learning
Dyspraxia can have an impact on many aspects of learning and varies from person to person.
Dyspraxia often affects a student’s motor skills, language, social interactions, and their ability to organise themselves. It can also bring a range of strengths.
Ellie Madiera describes her experience of living with dyspraxia – the challenges and positive aspects (of this diverse condition).
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Useful resources
How dyspraxia can influence learning
A summary of the challenges students with dyspraxia experience at school, with an outline of teaching opportunities to support learning.
- Download PDF (416 KB)
Developmental dyspraxia: A resource for educators
This booklet examines how dyspraxia can influence learning and provides strategies teachers can use in the classroom.
- Download PDF (1.4 MB)
Next steps
Return to the guide “Dyspraxia and learning”
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Dyspraxia and learning
Understand:
- Understanding dyspraxia
Strategies for action:
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Identify needs and how to provide supportShow suggestions for Identify needs and how to provide support
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Key areas to supportShow suggestions for Key areas to support
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Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8
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Helpful classroom strategies year 9-13Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies year 9-13
