Dyspraxia (DCD) Symptoms: Motor, Cognitive, and Social Challenges

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), commonly called dyspraxia, affects motor planning and execution. Symptoms vary in severity and combination.

Motor Symptoms

• Fine motor: handwriting, buttons, utensils, scissors
• Gross motor: running, jumping, catching, balance
• Coordination: bilateral integration, sequencing movements
• Postural control, clumsiness, frequent falls

Non-Motor Symptoms

• Planning/organization: Time management, multi-step tasks, packing bag
• Spatial awareness: Judging distances, left/right confusion
• Attention/concentration: Often co-occurs with ADHD
• Speech/language: Articulation, word-finding, verbal dyspraxia
• Sensory processing: Over/under-responsiveness to touch, sound, movement
• Social-emotional: Anxiety, low self-esteem, peer difficulties

Diagnosis

Clinical assessment by OT/PT, pediatrician, or neuropsychologist. DSM-5 criteria: motor skills substantially below age expectation, onset in developmental period, not due to intellectual disability or neurological condition.

Management

• Occupational therapy (task-oriented, sensory integration)
• Physical therapy for gross motor
• School accommodations (extra time, keyboarding, modified PE)
• Strength-based approach: leverage verbal, creative skills

Early intervention improves functional outcomes and mental health.