Dyspraxia: Understanding Developmental Coordination Disorder - Definition & Symptoms

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Dyspraxia as the "impairment of the ability to perform coordinated movements." The Dyspraxia Foundation lists developmental co-ordination disorder, perceptuo-motor dysfunction, and motor learning difficulties as other names used for dyspraxia.

Effects

• Dyspraxia influences the way the brain organizes and processes information, making it hard to dress, write, balance and run, as well as having a negative effect on the way you think, perceive and talk.

Prevalence

• According to the Dyspraxia Foundation, 10 percent of people are affected by dyspraxia--2 percent severely.

Theories/Speculation

• If it is not caused by brain damage, the cause of dyspraxia is unidentifiable. However, research suggests it might originate from underdeveloped neurons in the brain.

Considerations

• While people of all ages can have dyspraxia, children are more commonly diagnosed than adults. Since it affects psuedo-motor skill, therapy can be as simple as playing with blocks and putting together puzzles.

Warning

• If ignored, dyspraxia can lead to underdeveloped social skills, low self-esteem and emotional extremes during teenage years.