Medicines for Developmental co-ordination disorder (dyspraxia)

What it is

Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), also commonly known as dyspraxia, is a condition that affects physical coordination and movement. It is common, and usually becomes apparent in childhood, when a child’s motor (movement) skills develop differently from expected, so that coordinated physical tasks are more difficult for them than for other children of the same age, despite the child being just as able and intelligent in other respects. DCD affects the coordination and planning of movements, both large (gross motor, such as running, jumping, balancing, and physical activities) and small (fine motor, such as handwriting, doing up buttons, using cutlery, and other tasks needing precise hand movements). A child with DCD may appear clumsy or awkward, have difficulty with tasks such as handwriting, dressing, using tools or equipment, catching or throwing, riding a bike, or other coordinated activities, and may take longer to learn new physical skills; they may also have some difficulties with organisation and planning. Importantly, DCD is not due to a lack of ability or intelligence, or to laziness — the child is trying, but the coordination genuinely makes these tasks harder. DCD is lifelong, though its impact and the strategies used change over time; many of the difficulties can be helped, and, with support and by developing strategies, children with DCD can do well, and adults with DCD can manage the demands of daily life, work, and activities. DCD can affect a child’s confidence, self-esteem, and participation (for example if they struggle or are teased in physical activities), and can occur alongside other conditions (such as ADHD, autism, or learning difficulties), so understanding, encouragement, and support are important. The condition is managed by recognising it, providing support and strategies (particularly occupational therapy and support at school), and building the child’s skills and confidence. With this, children with DCD can improve their skills, find ways to manage tasks, and thrive. The key messages are that DCD (dyspraxia) is a common condition affecting movement and coordination (usually recognised in childhood), that the person is as able as others but finds coordinated tasks harder (not due to intelligence or effort), and that support and strategies help greatly.

How it is treated

Developmental co-ordination disorder is managed by recognising it, providing support and strategies (particularly occupational therapy and support at school), and building the person’s skills, confidence, and ways of managing tasks; with support, children and adults with DCD can do well. Recognising DCD is an important step — it may be identified when a child has ongoing difficulties with coordination and motor skills that affect their daily life and learning, and assessment (for example by an occupational therapist, and other professionals) can confirm it and guide support. Because DCD affects coordination but not intelligence or effort, understanding this is important, both for those around the person (to provide encouragement and support rather than frustration) and for the person’s own confidence. Support is tailored to the individual and their difficulties, and may include: occupational therapy, which is often central — helping the person develop their motor skills, learn strategies and techniques to manage tasks (such as handwriting, dressing, and daily activities), and use aids and adaptations where helpful; support at school, which is very important for children — with understanding from teachers, appropriate adjustments and support (for example, with handwriting, PE, and organisation), and encouragement, so the child can learn and take part; physiotherapy in some cases for gross motor difficulties; and support for organisation, planning, and daily living skills. Building the person’s skills through practice, breaking tasks down, and developing strategies to manage or work around difficulties all help. Supporting the person’s confidence, self-esteem, and participation is important, as DCD can affect these — encouragement, finding activities the person can enjoy and succeed in, and understanding all help. Because DCD can occur alongside other conditions (such as ADHD, autism, or learning difficulties), these are identified and supported as relevant. For adults with DCD, strategies, adaptations, and, where relevant, support in work and daily life help manage the demands. Support for the family, and support organisations for DCD/dyspraxia, provide information and community. DCD is lifelong, but with support, strategies, and building skills and confidence, its impact can be greatly reduced, and children and adults with DCD can do well and thrive. The reassuring and encouraging messages are that DCD (dyspraxia) is common and does not reflect a lack of ability, intelligence, or effort, that support and strategies — particularly occupational therapy and support at school, along with building skills and confidence — help greatly, and that with the right support, children and adults with DCD can manage tasks, participate, and thrive; so recognising DCD, understanding, and providing support and strategies are the keys to helping a person with the condition.