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Click below for some videos regarding Dyspraxia / Developmental Coordination Disoder (DCD)
This video was made by an 18 year-old with dyspraxia. She shares what it is like to have dyspraxia.
This video by Ireland's National Council for Special Education outlines what DCD is and how it presents.
This video by Understood.org also outlines DCD and gives useful examples.
Downloadable PDF - What is Dyspraxia/ Developmental Coordination Disorder?
Information adapted From CTS Poole Hospital and Understood.org
Dyspraxia / Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Dyspraxia are often used interchangeably but the internationally recognised term is DCD. This is because the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, written by the American Psychiatric Organization and used by specialists to diagnose) does not have Dyspraxia in it, only DCD.
DCD is a coordination disorder affecting motor skills. With DCD, a child’s brain is unable to effectively coordinate physical movements with the body’s muscles and is unrelated to the level of a child's learning style or intelligence. DCD therefore isn’t a learning difference like dyscalculia or dyslexia. It’s considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, like ADHD. However, DCD often co-occurs with learning differences which is why students present with other non-motor difficulties including planning & organisation; memory; language/speech; attention; and sensory processing issues which can have a significant impact on daily life activities.
Self-esteem is a particular concern with Dyspraxia / DCD. This is because students can sometimes be made fun of for not being able to complete simple tasks such as tying their shoe laces easily. It is important to create opportunities for student with Dyspraxia / DCD to experience success but also be understood and not mocked.
One way to boost self-esteem is to also focus on the strengths students with Dyspraxia / DCD may have.
Students with Dyspraxia / DCD:
can relate easily to others, especially when others are going through a difficult time
This is because people with DCD often experience their own challenges in everyday life and can understand people better than others
are creative
This is because people with DCD find different ways to overcome hard tasks in everyday life. They can find solutions to problems easily, making them great team players
are some of the hardest working people you will meet
People with DCD use more parts of their brain to carry out tasks than many other people
make great leaders
That’s because people with DCD are good at listening to other points of view. They want to help people to solve problems and find solutions.
The poster below gives a brief overview of what DCD is. Click the top right corner to download a PDF version.
DCD Summary Poster.pdfClick on the buttons below for more information:
Dyspraxia / DCD: Further Learning
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