What is Dyspraxia also known as?
Developmental Dyspraxia, Developmental co-ordination disorder, clumsy child syndrome, Perceptuo-motor dysfunction, Minimal brain dysfunction and motor learning difficulty. These are just the names I have come across they may be more.
Why does Dyspraxia occur?
The simple answer is that there is no known cause. It is thought to be an immaturity or neurone development in the brain rather than brain damage. In 1992 Gerald Edelman suggested that Dyspraxia was caused by the failure of neurones in the brain to develop correctly. This means that the brain takes longer to process information, thus increasing the likelihood that the suggestion is lost. It is because of this that the child fails to respond to requests given to them!
Well, what is Dyspraxia?
Definitions include:
Motor difficulties caused by perceptual problems, especially visual motor and Kinaesthetic-motor difficulties. Madeline Portwood-1996
An Impairment or immaturity of the organisation of movement and in many individuals there may be associated problems with language perception and thought-Dyspraxia foundation.
Our definition though which puts it into lay mans terms is an Immaturity of the brain which can result in behavioural, emotional , physiological and educational problems.
It should be noted that Dyspraxia can be seen as a disability even though to look at a dyspraxic person it is not obvious.
What "Symptoms" can a dyspraxic person display?
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Can Dyspraxia Be cured?
As of date there is no cure for Dyspraxia. "Symptoms" can be treated and the earlier the treatment starts the greater the chances of improvement!
Treatments can include brushstroke therapy, occupational therapy, a physiotherapist for exercises to help improve motor- neurone skills and extra help in schools.
What "Symptoms" can a dyspraxic person display?
Below is a list. Please bare in mind that dyspraxic people may not have all of these. Please also note that this is not a definitive list.
Signs of Dyspraxia include:
*poor concentration
*slow and poor at dressing
*messy eating and drinking
*may fall a lot
*disruptive in a classroom situation
*prone to temper tantrums
*poor writing/drawing abilities
*Phobias/obsessive behaviour
*clumsiness
*Poor short term memory
*Impatient
*poor spacial awareness
*sensitive to touch and noise
*isolation from peer groups.
*poor sense of direction
*difficulty with dictation and copying
*difficulties in holding a pen properly. Also have difficulties with reading
*poor posture and they may be confused about which hand to use.
Please note that not all these may be evident in a dyspraxic child. Also non dyspraxic children may show signs of the above.
More questions people may ask
How is Dyspraxia Diagnosed?
Assessments can include specialists obtaining a detailed developmental history of the child (the major milestones such as first word, crawling, walking, also any problems with labour and delivery.)
A motor skills screening should be completed and a cognitive profile is obtained using Weschler Scales (WISC). This assesses functioning in:
*Visual perception
*motor planning or praxis
*Somatosensory processing (touch and proprioception.)
*This deals with the 5 senses and the body such as hand eye co-ordination.
Also used testing in vestibular processing (inner ear balance)
What are the numbers affected by Dyspraxia?
The numbers from my research vary between 2% and 10% of the population. The one thing that my research agrees on is that approximately 70% of those affected are male. Another Figure quoted is one in 20 children. That means that there is at least one dyspraxic person per class.
Where Can I go for help?
The starting point for many people is there doctor who may refer you onto a specialist. There is different help available depending on the age of the dyspraxic person.
PRE SCHOOL
Start off at your G.P. or health visitor. They will refer you to a paediatrician or a child development centre. Assessments will then be made either by a physiologist, physiotherapist or occupational therapist as appropriate.
School Age
This route also starts via your GP. This can also start with a school nurse or doctor. Help can also be sought via teachers or Heads Of year. Hospital Referrals may be required for tests and treatment. |
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So what does the future hold for Dyspraxic Children?
Well the future is looking hopeful. As the child gains maturity the child will improve in some areas. To a large extent they can be helped via treatment. Although they will continue facing problems (and lets face it. dyspraxic or not life does not always go to plan) there is absolutely no reason why they can't live a full and active life and be a success!!
Angela Dunn.12 AUGUST 2002. |
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