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Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a neurological condition that affects motor coordination, fine and gross motor skills and, in some cases, cognitive functions. Up to 6% of the population is affected by the condition, with up to 2% being severely affected. Children with dyspraxia may struggle with tasks that require physical coordination, such as writing, dressing or participating in sports, and these challenges can sometimes impact their emotional and social development.
For parents, supporting a child with dyspraxia can bring unique challenges, from understanding the condition to navigating daily activities and advocating for their child’s needs. However, with the right training and access to resources, parents can play a crucial role in helping their children thrive.
This article explores the training programmes, tools and practical strategies available to empower parents. By equipping themselves with knowledge and skills, parents can foster a supportive environment that enhances their child’s development and improves the family’s overall quality of life.
Understanding Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a condition that primarily affects motor coordination and planning. Children with dyspraxia often struggle with tasks requiring fine motor skills as well as gross motor activities. These challenges may extend to difficulties following multi-step instructions or organising their thoughts and actions, which can impact day-to-day functioning.
The effects of dyspraxia go beyond physical coordination. Many children experience challenges in academic performance due to slow or illegible handwriting, difficulty keeping pace with classroom activities or trouble concentrating. Socially, they may face misunderstandings, exclusion or frustration, leading to lower self-esteem and emotional well-being.
The Symptoms of Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia can become obvious in infancy. A child may experience delays in reaching their developmental milestones like rolling over, sitting, crawling or walking. They may also have unusual body postures, struggle to play with things like bricks that require coordination or may be delayed in learning to use cutlery. In older children, there may be difficulties with playground activities (jumping, running, catching, kicking, hopping), walking up and down stairs, writing, drawing and using scissors, getting dressed and even keeping still.
Some children with dyspraxia also have other conditions. These include ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), dyslexia and autism.
Why Training and Resources Are Important
For parents of children with dyspraxia, understanding the condition is key to providing effective support. Early intervention and informed parenting can significantly improve a child’s developmental progress and overall quality of life.
Access to proper training and resources allows parents to manage the daily challenges associated with dyspraxia. It means they can implement practical strategies at home, collaborate effectively with educators and advocate for adjustments to support their child’s academic journey. Furthermore, these tools can help parents nurture their child’s self-esteem and independence, developing resilience and confidence in the face of challenges.
By gaining knowledge and utilising available resources, parents can create a supportive environment that not only addresses the difficulties associated with dyspraxia but also highlights their child’s unique strengths and potential.
Training for Parents
Occupational therapists often host workshops tailored for parents to learn practical strategies for improving their child’s motor skills at home. These sessions cover activities and exercises designed to enhance coordination, balance and fine motor abilities.
Physical Therapy Sessions
By participating in physical therapy sessions, parents can learn techniques to support their child in mastering gross motor skills, such as walking, running and jumping. These skills are essential for building physical confidence and independence.
For parents looking for specific exercises to help their children, the ‘Lee Method’ of physiotherapy has been proven to be very successful for children with dyspraxia and developmental coordination disorder.
The ‘Lee Method’
This aims to strengthen the proximal muscles. In other words, these are the muscles in the core, trunk, pelvis and shoulders. With these muscles strengthened, a child can then develop their gross and fine motor skills, coordination, spatial awareness, handwriting and hand-eye coordination.
Parenting Seminars and Webinars
Both in-person and online seminars offer valuable insights into the challenges of dyspraxia. These sessions guide behaviour management, time management and creating effective daily routines to support the child’s development.
Understanding Educational Needs
Dyspraxic students may be entitled to adjustments at school depending on how their condition affects them. Parents can attend workshops to learn how to navigate the educational system and advocate for adjustments, such as extended test times, assistive technology or tailored instruction. For those most severely affected, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) may be more appropriate.
As a parent, it’s important to familiarise yourself with guidelines like the Equality Act 2010, which requires schools to make reasonable adjustments for children with disabilities, including dyspraxia.
Special Education Training
These sessions educate parents about their rights and resources within the special education system, equipping them to ensure their child receives the best possible support.
Online Resources and Communities
There are several online resources that can help parents learn about their child’s condition and how best to support them. Here are some examples:
- Dyspraxia Foundation: This is a registered charity that supports individuals and their families. There is a public helpline and they also provide advice to professionals and teachers as well as individuals.
- The Brain Charity: This charity supports lots of different neurological conditions, including dyspraxia. They provide practical help, emotional support, group therapy and social activities. There is also a phone befriending service.
- Understood.org: This is a platform dedicated to parents of children with learning and attention issues, providing guides, articles and tools specifically for dyspraxia.
- The British Dyslexia Association (BDA): This charity recognises that dyspraxia often overlaps with dyslexia and offers resources to support children and parents.
- Online Support Groups: Communities on platforms like Facebook or specialised forums provide parents with opportunities to share experiences, ask questions and exchange tips with others facing similar challenges.
Practical Tips for Parents
Parenting children with additional needs like dyspraxia doesn’t come with a manual. Many parents find themselves having to learn about conditions they’ve never heard of, including DCD. Here are some practical tips that can help parents of children with dyspraxia:
Daily Routines and Structure
Most children thrive on routine and this can be even more true for those with dyspraxia. Creating a consistent routine can help children stay organised and minimise anxiety. Use visual schedules, such as pictures or colour-coded charts, to simplify the process of following daily activities.
Developing Motor Skills at Home
Incorporating activities like playing with building blocks, drawing or puzzles to enhance fine motor coordination, is essential for children with dyspraxia. Gross motor development can be encouraged with physical activities like swimming, which promotes development in a fun and non-competitive environment.
Supporting Social Skills
Sometimes children with dyspraxia find social interactions more difficult. Parents can build confidence in social interactions by engaging their children in role-playing exercises. It’s also helpful to facilitate structured social activities or playdates with supportive peers to foster friendships and reduce social anxiety.
Collaborating with Schools and Educators
Open and consistent communication with a child’s teachers is essential in supporting their educational journey. It’s important to discuss how dyspraxia affects your child in the classroom so that the child’s teacher will be aware. This might include mentioning difficulties with handwriting, motor coordination or following multi-step instructions. Teachers should know of these challenges so they can better understand and address the child’s specific needs.
It’s also good to share the strategies you’re using at home to help your child manage their dyspraxia. This can create a sense of consistency between the home and school environments, making it easier for your child to adapt and progress. By collaborating with teachers, you can ensure that both parties are aligned in their efforts to support your child’s success.
Requesting School Adjustments
Advocating for the right adjustments can make a significant difference in your child’s academic performance and well-being. Common adjustments for children with dyspraxia might include extra time for tests, access to occupational therapy services or alternative ways to complete assignments (such as using a computer for written tasks).
You should feel empowered to work with the school to create an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) or EHC Plan, which outlines the specific support your child will receive. This could include modifications to the curriculum, classroom environment or teaching methods. By having these adjustments in place, you ensure that your child has the necessary resources to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Working closely with educators and being proactive in requesting adjustments not only helps your child succeed academically but also contributes to their overall sense of inclusion and confidence in the school setting.
Emotional and Psychological Support
Like other additional needs, children with dyspraxia can suffer from low confidence and self-esteem. One of the most important ways to support a child with dyspraxia is by focusing on their strengths and celebrating even the smallest successes. It’s essential to provide positive reinforcement when your child achieves something, no matter how minor it may seem. By emphasising their accomplishments, you help foster a sense of pride and encourage a ‘can-do’ attitude.
Encourage your child to engage in activities they enjoy and excel in, whether it’s a sport, an art form or a hobby. This allows them to experience success in areas where they feel competent, which boosts their self-esteem and helps them build confidence in their abilities. Recognising and reinforcing their strengths helps develop a positive self-image, which is critical for emotional well-being.
Handling Emotional Challenges
Children with dyspraxia often face emotional frustration when they struggle with tasks that may appear simple to others. This frustration can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anger or sadness. It’s important to acknowledge these emotions and provide a supportive environment where your child feels heard and understood.
To manage emotional challenges, practise patience and positive reinforcement. Reinforce the idea that mistakes are part of the learning process and do not define their worth. Encourage your child to develop self-coping strategies, such as deep breathing or taking breaks when feeling overwhelmed. These techniques can help your child navigate difficult moments with more confidence and resilience.
It’s also helpful to validate your child’s feelings, letting them know that it’s okay to be upset and that you are there to support them through the emotional challenges they face.
Accessing Professional Support
In some cases, children with dyspraxia may benefit from professional emotional support. Child psychologists or counsellors who specialise in neurodiverse conditions like dyspraxia can provide valuable assistance in managing emotional regulation, building social skills and developing self-awareness. These professionals can offer strategies to help children understand their emotions and improve their ability to navigate social situations.
Additionally, creating a safe and supportive home environment is essential. Make sure your child feels comfortable expressing their emotions and concerns without fear of judgement. By offering emotional support at home and seeking professional help when needed, you can help your child develop the emotional resilience needed to thrive despite the challenges of dyspraxia.
With the right emotional support, children with dyspraxia can overcome setbacks and build a strong sense of self-worth, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.
Conclusion
Accessing the right training and resources is essential for parents of children with dyspraxia to effectively support their child’s development and well-being. With the right tools, strategies and support systems in place, parents can help their children overcome the daily challenges that come with dyspraxia and enable them to thrive in all areas of life – academically, socially and emotionally.
By engaging in parent training programmes, utilising online resources and collaborating with schools and educators, parents can create a comprehensive support system tailored to their child’s specific needs. Additionally, fostering emotional well-being and building confidence will help children feel empowered and capable of navigating their world, despite the challenges they may face.
Parents are encouraged to explore local resources, connect with support groups and seek guidance from professionals to create a strong network of support for their child. By staying informed and proactive, parents can ensure that their child receives the best possible care and has the tools necessary to succeed, leading to a brighter, more fulfilling future.
