Dyspraxia, also known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), is a condition that affects motor coordination and a person’s ability to plan and coordinate physical movements. It can impact both fine motor skills (tasks that require precise and controlled movements and typically involve the hands and fingers), such as writing, typing, tying shoelaces, using utensils or using zips and buttons, and gross motor skills (movement involving the whole body), such as walking, running, catching a ball and playing sports. Beyond motor skills, dyspraxia can also affect organisational abilities, cognitive processing and sometimes even social interactions, making day-to-day tasks more challenging.
Dyspraxia isn’t related to intelligence, but it can make everyday tasks more challenging and sometimes lead to difficulties with organisation, time management and cognitive processing. The NHS estimates that approximately 3-5% of adults have dyspraxia, with a similar percentage of children and adolescents also likely to have the condition. Dyspraxia can affect people of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
Living with dyspraxia can present ongoing obstacles, from difficulties in coordination to challenges with time management and memory. However, with practical strategies and the right support, individuals with dyspraxia can better navigate these challenges and improve their quality of life. Today, we will provide more information about dyspraxia and offer actionable advice to empower those with dyspraxia to manage their difficulties and develop greater independence and confidence.
Understanding Dyspraxia and Its Challenges
Although dyspraxia doesn’t impact intelligence, it can make physical activities, daily routines and completing tasks much more challenging. Signs of dyspraxia are usually present from infancy and early childhood, though its symptoms can become more evident as motor skills become more complex, especially in school and social environments. Understanding the specific challenges faced by individuals with dyspraxia is essential for developing effective strategies to support them in daily life.
Some of the main challenges associated with dyspraxia include:
Motor coordination difficulties
Dyspraxia significantly impacts a person’s motor coordination, affecting both fine motor skills (small, precise movements) and gross motor skills (larger body movements). Specific areas where individuals may struggle include:
- Fine motor skills:
Tasks requiring precision, such as handwriting, using scissors, typing on a keyboard or manipulating small objects, can be especially challenging. Difficulty in handwriting, for example, can lead to slower or illegible writing, which makes it hard to keep up in school or work settings. - Gross motor skills:
Movements requiring the entire body, such as walking, running or climbing stairs, can feel awkward or uncoordinated. Individuals with dyspraxia may experience fatigue more quickly during physical activities and may appear clumsy, as they are more prone to tripping, stumbling or bumping into objects.
Everyday tasks such as getting dressed, brushing teeth or even pouring a glass of water can take longer and often require considerable mental focus, which can lead to frustration and sometimes avoidance of these activities.
Spatial awareness and balance issues
Dyspraxia often affects spatial awareness or the ability to sense your own position relative to the objects and people around you. This can result in:
- Clumsiness and bumping into objects:
Individuals with dyspraxia might misjudge distances or struggle with depth perception, which can lead to frequent accidents such as knocking into doorways, tripping over obstacles or dropping objects. Crowded environments or activities requiring spatial navigation, such as sports or dancing, can be particularly overwhelming. - Difficulty with physical tasks requiring balance:
Skills that involve balance, such as riding a bicycle, jumping or standing on one foot, are often harder for individuals with dyspraxia. These challenges can make certain physical activities feel intimidating and may lead to an aversion to sports or outdoor play.
Spatial awareness issues often carry over into activities like driving, where an individual needs to simultaneously monitor the road, their surroundings and their own position within a lane, which can be an ongoing challenge.
Time management and organisation difficulties
Time management and organisational abilities can be significantly impacted by dyspraxia and this can affect an individual’s personal, social, academic and professional lives. Common challenges include:
- Task organisation:
Organising steps in the correct order or remembering each step in a sequence can be challenging. This is particularly evident in tasks requiring multiple steps, such as preparing a meal, assembling a project or completing an assignment. - Difficulties with meeting deadlines:
Many individuals with dyspraxia have difficulty estimating how long tasks will take, which can lead to rushed work, missed deadlines or the need for extra time considerations. - Following multi-step instructions:
Keeping track of instructions, especially in a sequence, can be difficult and this can lead to frequent mistakes or forgotten steps. For example, a person with dyspraxia may need instructions broken down into smaller parts or repeated to avoid confusion.
These organisational challenges often extend to managing personal items, such as remembering where items are placed or keeping a tidy room or an organised working area, which can affect daily functioning and can be stressful for individuals with dyspraxia and those around them.
Memory and cognitive processing challenges
Dyspraxia can affect working memory and processing speed and can impact an individual’s ability to retain and quickly act on new information. Specific struggles include:
- Difficulty remembering sequences:
Remembering ordered information, such as the steps in a process or the sequence of tasks in a routine, can be challenging, particularly under stress. This may impact learning, where tasks often need to be completed in a specific order. - Slower information processing:
Individuals with dyspraxia often take more time to process visual or verbal information, which can make it harder to keep up in fast-paced environments, such as classrooms, social settings or busy workspaces. - Difficulties with academic tasks:
For students, processing delays and memory issues can lead to challenges in reading comprehension, maths and retaining information for tests. They may benefit from alternative methods of learning or adjustments such as extra time for assignments and exams.
These cognitive challenges can sometimes lead to frustration and feelings of being overwhelmed, especially when combined with the physical aspects of dyspraxia. The difficulties associated with organising thoughts or following directions can also cause misunderstandings in social interactions, which can affect relationships and social engagement.
Sensory difficulties and emotional challenges
Many individuals with dyspraxia experience heightened sensory sensitivities and struggle with aspects of emotional regulation, which can make coping with daily challenges more difficult. Specific difficulties can include:
- Sensory sensitivities:
People with dyspraxia may be more sensitive to sounds, textures or lighting, which can cause discomfort or distraction in busy or loud environments. For example, they may find it challenging to concentrate in a noisy classroom or prefer certain types of clothing to avoid discomfort from rough fabrics. - Emotional regulation and self-esteem:
The frustration of dealing with daily challenges can lead to low self-esteem or anxiety, particularly in social or performance settings where they may feel different or out of place. Difficulty with self-expression or the frustration from struggling with seemingly simple tasks can impact confidence.
By understanding these symptoms and the specific challenges associated with dyspraxia, individuals and those around them can take steps to create a supportive environment. Identifying and addressing these areas of difficulty early on, through tailored strategies and assistive tools, can help individuals with dyspraxia develop greater confidence, independence and a higher quality of life.
Practical Tips to Overcome Dyspraxia-Related Challenges
Navigating the daily challenges associated with dyspraxia requires tailored strategies that address both physical and cognitive difficulties. Dyspraxia can affect different people in different ways and two people who both have dyspraxia may have very different difficulties and strengths. This means that strategies that are beneficial to one person might not necessarily be beneficial to another.
Early diagnosis and intervention can help to address any difficulties early, reduce the risk of secondary issues and reduce the impact of dyspraxia. However, strategies and support at any age are extremely beneficial. The following practical tips are designed to support individuals with dyspraxia in areas including motor skills, time management, organisation and emotional well-being. Individuals with dyspraxia and people supporting them can further tailor these strategies to make them maximally beneficial.
Improving Motor Skills and Coordination
For individuals with dyspraxia, everyday tasks involving physical coordination, such as handwriting, dressing or cooking, can be difficult and time-consuming. Strengthening motor skills through tailored approaches can help make these tasks more manageable and less frustrating. Some ways to do this include:
- Occupational therapy:
Working with an occupational therapist (OT) can be highly beneficial. OTs can develop exercises tailored to strengthen fine and gross motor skills and help individuals gain greater control over movements needed for tasks like dressing, writing or preparing meals. Therapists often use fun, skill-building activities to keep individuals motivated and gradually improve their abilities. OTs can also help with sensory integration, planning and organisation, coordination and balance training and visual perception. - Break tasks into steps:
Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help individuals focus on each component rather than feeling overwhelmed by the whole task. For example, when getting dressed, separate the process into putting on a shirt, then trousers, then socks and so on. Cooking might involve gathering ingredients first, then measuring, chopping and cooking each step individually. - Adaptive tools and devices:
Adaptive tools can make everyday tasks more manageable. Grip-friendly utensils, weighted or ergonomic pens and pencil grips can help with writing and eating. Voice-to-text software is particularly helpful for writing tasks as they require individuals to speak their thoughts rather than struggle with typing or handwriting. - Physical exercise:
Engaging in low-impact activities such as swimming, yoga or dancing promotes coordination and balance while reducing the stress often associated with team sports. Activities that combine movement with rhythm, such as dancing or yoga, can help improve motor control while providing enjoyable, confidence-building exercise.
Managing Time and Organisation
Time management and staying organised can be particularly challenging for those with dyspraxia, as they may struggle with sequencing tasks, setting priorities or remembering deadlines. Practical tools and support can provide the stability needed to stay on track and feel more in control of daily schedules. This can include:
- Use of visual aids and planners:
Visual aids, such as calendars, checklists and colour-coded planners, provide a clear overview of tasks, deadlines and events. Adding visual cues like images, colours or symbols can make planning more intuitive and help improve memory and focus. This approach is particularly effective for managing multi-step tasks or meeting deadlines. - Time management apps:
Time management apps and even alarm settings on smartphones can help individuals with dyspraxia stay on top of daily schedules. Setting reminders for specific tasks, break times and transitions can provide gentle prompts and reduce the stress of forgetting key tasks or appointments. - Routine and structure:
Establishing a consistent daily routine provides a sense of stability and predictability, which is helpful for focus and time management. For example, setting specific times for meals, study, work and relaxation can reduce decision-making fatigue and minimise anxiety. A routine also offers structure and makes it easier to stick to planned activities.
Coping With Sensory Difficulties
Sensory sensitivities, such as discomfort with loud sounds or certain textures, are common among people with dyspraxia and can make everyday environments overwhelming. Tips to help individuals reduce sensory stressors and stay calm and focused include:
- Create a sensory-friendly environment:
Adjusting the home or work environment can reduce sensory overload. Tools such as noise-cancelling headphones, soft lighting, calming textures and personalised workspaces can help individuals focus and feel comfortable. For example, using softer light bulbs or placing a cushion on a chair can make a space more inviting and reduce distractions. - Mindful breaks:
Taking short, mindful breaks throughout the day allows time to decompress and reduce sensory stimulation. Whether it’s a few minutes spent in a quiet room or a simple deep-breathing exercise, these pauses can help reset focus and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed in busy environments.
Improving Academic and Workplace Success
In academic and work environments, individuals with dyspraxia may face additional challenges with tasks that require rapid processing or extensive organisation. There are multiple strategies that can help individuals succeed and thrive in these settings and create a more inclusive experience, including:
- Accessible learning strategies:
For students, adjustments such as extra time on tests, access to audiobooks and permission to submit typed assignments instead of handwritten ones can make a significant difference. These adaptations acknowledge the unique learning needs associated with dyspraxia and reduce the pressure to perform in conventional ways. - Workplace adaptations:
In professional settings, reasonable adjustments can improve productivity and job satisfaction. Ergonomic workstations, clear task instructions, visual aids and periodic feedback provide essential support. Employers can work with employees to determine which adjustments work best, such as providing step-by-step checklists or allocating extra time for detailed tasks. - Communication and self-advocacy:
Encouraging self-advocacy is key to ensuring individuals receive the support they need. Openly discussing specific needs with teachers, employers or colleagues helps improve understanding and creates a supportive environment. Learning to confidently communicate about dyspraxia empowers individuals to ask for adjustments and express their needs effectively.
Social and Emotional Support
The challenges associated with dyspraxia can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety and social isolation. There are multiple ways to target social and emotional difficulties, including:
- Coping with low self-esteem:
Low self-esteem is a common struggle for individuals with dyspraxia, as daily challenges can lead to frustration and self-doubt. Building confidence through activities that highlight strengths, celebrating small wins and focusing on progress rather than perfection can be very helpful. Creative outlets like art, music or crafts can also offer a sense of accomplishment and joy - Peer support groups:
Joining or creating peer support groups provides a space for individuals with dyspraxia to connect with others who face similar challenges. Sharing experiences and strategies within a supportive community can be both comforting and motivating. Online communities, such as the Dyspraxia Foundation, offer valuable resources and a network of understanding peers. - Mindfulness and stress management:
Mindfulness practices, meditation or simple breathing exercises can help manage the stress and anxiety that often accompany dyspraxia. Mindfulness encourages individuals to stay present and develop patience and makes it easier to approach challenges with a calm mindset. Regular practice of these techniques can reduce anxiety and improve resilience in daily life.
Strategies for Parents and Caregivers of Children with Dyspraxia
Supporting a child with dyspraxia can be both challenging and rewarding. Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping children develop independence, confidence and the skills that they will need in both school and everyday life. By using effective strategies that help to build on a child’s strengths and help them manage their difficulties, families can support children in managing the challenges of dyspraxia and help them feel more capable and supported.
Some ways families can encourage children and help them succeed include:
- Encouraging independence
Children with dyspraxia benefit greatly from practising tasks that help them feel more capable and independent. Assigning activities that match their current abilities allows them to build skills at their own pace, which can help reduce frustration. For complex tasks, such as getting dressed or preparing a meal, breaking down each activity into smaller, clear steps provides structure and focus. Offering gentle guidance and allowing ample time for practice can help children feel more confident as they master each step on their own. - Providing positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is essential for building a child’s self-confidence. By focusing on the effort a child puts into tasks, rather than solely on the final outcome, parents and caregivers can promote resilience and encourage a growth mindset. Praising small achievements and celebrating progress along the way can make a big difference and help children feel proud of their efforts even when they face setbacks. - Working together with educators
Close collaboration with teachers and school staff is key to ensuring children with dyspraxia receive the support they need in the classroom. Parents can work with educators to advocate for adjustments, such as extra time on assignments, scheduled breaks or modified tasks tailored to the child’s needs. Encouraging the use of assistive technologies, such as laptops for typing notes or speech-to-text software, can also enable students to participate fully in school activities and make learning experiences more accessible and enjoyable. - Building routines and structure
Creating predictable routines at home can help children with dyspraxia feel more secure and organised. Establishing set times for tasks like meals, homework and bedtime adds structure and helps children anticipate what’s coming next. Visual schedules, such as daily charts or picture sequences, can further assist children in understanding and following routines. - Focusing on social skills
Dyspraxia can sometimes affect social skills, as children may struggle with coordination, personal space or interpreting social cues. Parents can support social development by role-playing common social situations (e.g. taking turns or joining a group activity) or arranging playdates with small groups to practise these skills in a comfortable setting. Praising positive interactions helps children feel more at ease in social environments. - Encouraging physical activity
Physical activities can be challenging for children with dyspraxia, but with patience and the right approach, they can benefit greatly. Parents and caregivers could choose activities that emphasise low-impact movements and don’t require excessive coordination or motor planning, such as swimming, horse riding or martial arts. For children who struggle with teamwork, sports such as rock climbing and cycling can be beneficial. Parents can encourage children to take breaks if they feel overwhelmed, but gradually building endurance and coordination in enjoyable, pressure-free ways can be empowering. - Encouraging them not to be embarrassed or ashamed
Teaching children that dyspraxia is not something to be ashamed or embarrassed about but, instead, is a part of who they are and something that should be embraced as a strength is essential for helping them succeed. This helps to empower the child and make them feel more confident, both in school and in other areas of their life. - Teaching self-advocacy skills
Learning to express their needs is empowering for children with dyspraxia. Parents can encourage this by helping children articulate what they need, such as asking for a break or requesting extra time on a task. Modelling self-advocacy and providing them with simple phrases they can use in school, like ‘Can I have an extra minute to finish this?’ or ‘Could you please explain that again?’ helps children feel more in control of their experiences. - Setting realistic goals
Setting small, achievable goals tailored to a child’s strengths and needs helps build confidence and motivation. Instead of focusing on areas where they struggle, parents can set goals around tasks that are manageable, such as brushing their teeth independently or packing their school bags. Tracking these accomplishments on a chart or journal creates a positive feedback loop and highlights progress over time. - Providing consistent encouragement and patience
Patience and understanding are essential. Children with dyspraxia may take longer to master tasks or may need additional guidance. Consistently offering encouragement, validating their effort and being patient with progress can make children feel accepted and supported. Knowing that they have a safe space to try, make mistakes and improve is key to building resilience.
Conclusion
Overcoming the daily challenges associated with dyspraxia can feel overwhelming and often requires patience and commitment. Similarly, supporting individuals with dyspraxia requires patience, empathy and a commitment to helping children develop independence and self-confidence. While dyspraxia presents unique challenges, practical strategies, whether focused on improving motor skills, managing time or coping with sensory sensitivities, can make everyday tasks more manageable and rewarding. By working closely with professionals, educators and loved ones, incorporating supportive tools and routines and encouraging open communication, individuals with dyspraxia can thrive in school, at work and in social settings.
For individuals with dyspraxia and their loved ones, understanding dyspraxia and actively implementing tailored strategies can be transformative and can help people with dyspraxia develop resilience and a positive self-image. Through positive reinforcement, structured routines and adaptive learning methods, those with dyspraxia can be empowered to reach their full potential. With the right resources, support networks and adjustments in place, individuals with dyspraxia can not only overcome daily challenges but also discover and celebrate their unique strengths and abilities.
