What is Dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD), is a hereditary condition that affects control of the body’s movements—literally difficulty in moving the skeleton. It impacts approximately 6% of the population.
Famous People with Dyspraxia
- Florence Welch (lead singer of Florence and the Machine)
- Daniel Radcliffe (actor)
- Cara Delevingne (actress)
- Richard Branson (entrepreneur)
Traits of Dyspraxia
- Poor hand–eye coordination - The person may find it hard to do tasks that need their hands and eyes to work together — like catching a ball, using scissors, or handwriting.
- Struggles with spatial awareness - They may bump into people or objects, misjudge space when walking through doors, or find it hard to line things up correctly (e.g. when parking a car or setting a table).
- Difficulty with certain sporting activities - Physical activities like running, jumping, throwing, or team sports may feel too hard, leading to frustration or embarrassment.
- Organisation and short-term memory issues - They might forget where things are, lose track of tasks, or struggle to follow a list of steps. Planning ahead or keeping things tidy may be difficult.
- Difficulty standing or sitting still - They may seem restless or constantly shift position. Sitting still for long periods (e.g. in a classroom or meeting) can be uncomfortable or tiring.
- Limited short-term concentration span - They may lose focus quickly, especially during tasks that involve multiple steps, unfamiliar routines, or require sustained effort.
Strengths & Challenges associated with Dyspraxia
Strengths
- Empathy and understanding of others’ struggles
- Creative problem-solving and outside-the-box thinking
- Adaptability
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Challenges
- Poor hand–eye coordination
- Struggles with spatial awareness
- Difficulty with certain sporting activities
- Organisation and short-term memory issues
- Difficulty standing or sitting still
- Limited short-term concentration span
Helpful tips for the individual
- Keep spaces tidy and clear – Fewer obstacles help reduce accidents.
- Use checklists or routines – Visual schedules, bullet points, or step-by-step cards are helpful.
- Keep belongings in set places – Help build habits, so items are easier to find.
- Keep tasks short and varied – Break big jobs into smaller chunks with short breaks in between.
- Use reminders – Alarms, sticky notes, and phone alerts can support memory and timekeeping.
- Reduce distractions – Quiet, clutter-free spaces help with focus.
- Use timers or “now and next” boards – These help manage time and set clear expectations.
Helpful tips for educators and employers
- Give extra time – Allow more time for tasks that involve movement, like dressing or writing.
- Break down tasks into steps – Give one instruction at a time, clearly and calmly.
- Use visual markers – Put tape or labels on the floor to mark out areas or guide routes.
- Be patient with bumping or spilling – Reassure them when mistakes happen. It’s part of the condition. Give encouragement, not criticism – Praise effort, not just success.
- Be understanding about tiredness – Motor tasks take more effort, so they may tire more quickly.
- Offer choices and control – Letting them choose how or when to do something can reduce stress.
Assistive technology resources
- Mind Mappping - Helps break tasks into clear steps and organise thoughts visually, reducing planning difficulties.
- Speech-to-text - Allows you to speak instead of typing, making writing easier when fine motor skills are a challenge.
- Spelling & grammar tools - Supports written communication by reducing the impact of spelling and grammar difficulties.
- Organisation & time management - Provides structure with reminders and schedules to manage daily routines and avoid missed tasks.
- Maths & STEM helpers - Offer step-by-step problem solving and visual aids to make calculations and technical tasks more manageable.