Dyspraxia, also known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), is a common disorder that affects movement and coordination. It is a form of neurodiversity that affects a persons physical coordination. Dyspraxia does not affect intelligence, but it can affect daily living skills, such as dressing, preparing meals, and writing. It can also affect how people learn new skills, think, and remember information at work and home, as well as how they function in social situations, deal with emotions, and manage time and personal organization skills.
Some common characteristics of dyspraxia in adults include difficulty with:
- Listening to people, especially in large groups
- Picking up non-verbal signals or judging social situations
- Fine motor skills, such as writing or grasping small objects
- Gross motor skills, such as balance and movement
- Spatial awareness, organization, and planning
- Time management, planning, and personal organization skills
- Following instructions and remembering information
- Learning or understanding math (dyscalculia)
- Participating in sports or other physical activities
Dyspraxia is not caused by brain damage, illness, or injury, and its exact cause is not yet known. However, being born prematurely, having a low birth weight, and having a family history of coordination difficulties increases the likelihood of someone having the condition. There is no cure for dyspraxia, but there are therapies that can help with daily living, such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech and language therapy. It might also help to talk to others with dyspraxia or to connect with a charity.
