Dyspraxia: what is it really?
Definition, causes, and symptoms
Understanding the developmental coordination disorder to better support children and adults in daily life
Your child constantly spills their glass, cannot tie their shoes despite months of practice, awkwardly holds their pencil, or has great difficulty dressing alone? These repeated clumsinesses are not a sign of a lack of will or a deficit of attention. They could indicate dyspraxia, a still little-known neurodevelopmental disorder that affects between 5 and 6 % of school-aged children. In this comprehensive article, we explore in depth what dyspraxia really is: its precise definition, its neurological bases, its causes, its symptoms according to age, and concrete ways to better support those affected.
1. Dyspraxia: definition and terminology
The term dyspraxia comes from the Greek dys (difficulty) and praxis (action, gesture). It refers to a disorder of the planning and coordination of voluntary movements, in the absence of any motor or intellectual deficit that could explain it. Dyspraxia is part of the large family of DYS disorders, alongside dyslexia, dysphasia, dyscalculia, or ADHD.
In current international classifications (DSM-5 and ICD-11), dyspraxia is officially referred to as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). This term is now preferred because it is more precise and less stigmatizing, although "dyspraxia" remains widely used in France by families, teachers, and many health professionals.
📌 Dyspraxia vs Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
The two terms refer to the same clinical reality. The distinction is essentially terminological: DCD is the official diagnostic term in the DSM-5 and ICD-11 classifications, while dyspraxia remains the common term in France. In this article, we use both interchangeably.
1.1 What dyspraxia is NOT
Many misconceptions persist around dyspraxia. It is essential to deconstruct them to avoid erroneous judgments about the individuals concerned.
❌ What dyspraxia is not
- A lack of will or effort
- Laziness or disinterest
- An intellectual disability
- A simple delay that will resolve on its own
- A consequence of poor education
- A vision or hearing disorder
- An evolving or degenerative disease
✅ What dyspraxia is
- A lasting neurodevelopmental disorder
- A deficit in gesture planning
- An identified neurological origin
- Compatible with normal or above-average intelligence
- A disorder that can be supported and compensated
- Often associated with other DYS disorders
- Recognized by the DSM-5 and ICD-11 classifications
1.2 The different types of dyspraxia
Dyspraxia is not a uniform reality: several forms are distinguished according to the nature of the difficulties and the cognitive functions involved.
Ideomotor dyspraxia
Difficulty in performing simple gestures on verbal command (showing, miming). Spontaneous gestures are often preserved, but intentional gestures triggered by a prompt are deficient.
Ideational dyspraxia
Disorder of planning and sequencing complex gestural sequences (dressing, using cutlery, riding a bike). The person does not know "how to do" even if they understand what is being asked of them.
Constructive / visuo-spatial dyspraxia
Difficulty in assembling, constructing, or copying shapes in space (puzzles, geometry, drawing). Very common among dyspraxic children, often associated with visuo-spatial disorders.
Verbal dyspraxia (oro-facial dyspraxia)
Disorder of planning articulatory movements, leading to speech difficulties not related to muscular impairment. Often managed by a speech therapist.
| Type of dyspraxia | Impacted gestures | Concerned areas | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideomotor | Simple gestures on command | Imitation, non-verbal communication | Moderate |
| Random | Gesture sequences | Daily life, dressing, meals | High |
| Constructive | Assembly, copying, drawing | School, mathematics, geometry | Very high |
| Verbal | Articulation, speech | Oral language, communication | Variable |
| Visuo-spatial | Orientation in space | Geography, map reading, sports | Associated |
2. The neurological bases of dyspraxia
To understand dyspraxia, one must first understand how the brain organizes movement. Each voluntary gesture involves a complex sequence of cognitive processes: perceiving the environment, planning the action, coordinating sensory and motor information, and then executing and adjusting the movement in real time. It is this sequence that is disrupted in dyspraxia.
2.1 The role of the brain in gesture planning
Neuroimaging studies show that several brain areas are involved in dyspraxia. The parietal cortex (sensory and spatial integration), the cerebellum (coordination, balance, movement automation), and the basal ganglia (control of motor sequences) show functional differences in dyspraxic individuals.
Dyspraxia is not caused by brain injury but by differences in connectivity and information processing between these regions. In other words, the "wires" that allow different areas of the brain to communicate effectively to organize the gesture function differently — not less well in absolute terms, but atypically.
“Dyspraxia is not a lack of motor intelligence. It is a different way of processing spatial and gestural information, which requires specific adaptations rather than additional effort.”
— Perspective from developmental neuroscience2.2 Procedural memory and gesture automation
One of the central mechanisms of dyspraxia concerns procedural memory: the ability to automate repeated gesture sequences. Normally, after enough repetitions, a gesture like holding a pencil or riding a bike becomes automatic and no longer requires conscious attention. In dyspraxic individuals, this automation is significantly slowed down or even partial.
As a result: each gesture remains conscious, voluntary, and costly in attention and energy. A dyspraxic child trying to write must simultaneously think about holding their pencil, the direction of the movement, the pressure applied, the space between letters… which leaves little cognitive resources available for the content of what they are writing.
The cognitive cost of the gesture: Imagine having to relearn how to walk every morning, consciously thinking about each leg movement. This is somewhat what people with dyspraxia experience for gestures that we perform automatically. This permanent cognitive load explains the intense fatigue they feel at the end of the day.
3. Causes of dyspraxia: what science tells us
The exact causes of dyspraxia are still the subject of active research. However, several factors have been identified as significant contributors.
3.1 Genetic factors
Dyspraxia has a significant hereditary component. Family studies show that ADHD is two to five times more common among first-degree relatives of a person with dyspraxia. Twin studies confirm a high heritability, although no specific gene has yet been formally identified as responsible for the disorder.
Prematurity and low birth weight
Children born before 32 weeks of gestation have a significantly higher risk of developing dyspraxia. Prematurity disrupts critical phases of cerebellar development and cortical connections involved in motor skills.
Prenatal factors
Exposure to certain substances during pregnancy (alcohol, certain medications), maternal infections, or obstetric complications can disrupt the neurological development of the fetus and increase the risk of ADHD.
Differences in brain maturation
Functional MRIs show differences in myelination and connectivity of cerebellar and parieto-frontal pathways in children with ADHD. These maturation differences are not lesions but variants of neurological development.
Comorbidities and associated risk factors
The presence of other neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, autism, dyslexia) is strongly correlated with dyspraxia. About 50% of children with ADHD also present with ADHD, suggesting partially shared neurobiological bases.
3.2 What does NOT cause dyspraxia
⚠️ Common misconceptions to debunk: Dyspraxia is not caused by a lack of motor stimulation in early childhood, insufficient education, not having played enough or done sports, nor by psychological trauma. These factors may influence motor development in general, but are not the cause of the developmental coordination disorder.
4. Symptoms of dyspraxia by age
Dyspraxia manifests differently depending on the age and life context of the person concerned. The signs evolve over the course of development: some diminish thanks to compensatory strategies, while others become more visible as social and school demands increase.
4.1 Warning signs in infants and young children (0-3 years)
From the first months of life, certain signs may alert health professionals, even if a formal diagnosis is generally not made before age 5:
- Muscle hypotonia (insufficient tone) in the trunk or limbs
- Delay in motor skills acquisition (sitting, walking) without identified medical cause
- Difficulties in manipulation games (stacking blocks, inserting shapes)
- Marked reluctance to activities requiring bimanual coordination
- Excessive clumsiness in daily gestures (holding a spoon, catching an object)
- Difficulties imitating gestures and expressions of adults
4.2 Symptoms in primary school (5-12 years): the key moment for diagnosis
It is usually upon entering school that dyspraxia becomes visible and problematic. School demands reveal difficulties dramatically, often to the detriment of the child's self-esteem.
Graphism and writing
Slow, illegible, irregular writing despite efforts. Pencil held with excessive tension. Finger pain. Difficulty respecting lines and spacing.
Geometry and drawing
Inability or great difficulty reproducing geometric figures, using a ruler or compass. Copies of shapes incorrect or very laborious.
Physical education
Difficulties in team sports (coordination with the ball), balance activities (biking, roller skating, swimming) and games requiring bilateral coordination.
Daily autonomy
Slow and laborious dressing, difficulties tying shoes, buttoning, opening packaging. The organization of the backpack and workspace is often chaotic.
The paradox of the dyspraxic child: A child can be verbally brilliant, reason with remarkable logic, have excellent verbal memory… and be completely unable to reproduce a square or keep their belongings organized. This discrepancy is characteristic of dyspraxia and often confuses teachers and families.
DYNSEO offers a particularly useful tool for these children: the Visual Writing Plan, which helps structure thought and written production through an adapted visual support. Similarly, the Backpack Checklist helps address organizational difficulties by providing a clear and visual reference for preparing the bag.
Free tools for dyspraxic children
The backpack checklist and DYNSEO's visual timer help structure routines and reduce cognitive load on a daily basis.
Download the backpack checklist4.3 Symptoms in adolescence
In adolescence, motor difficulties may partially diminish thanks to compensatory strategies developed over the years. But new challenges emerge:
Difficulties in technology and manual work
Technology, cooking, or arts classes that require precise gestures and complex assemblies remain problematic. Riding a moped or performing technical gestures can be laborious.
Impact on social life and self-esteem
Adolescence is a period where physical skills play an important social role. Young dyspraxics may be excluded from sports activities or face mockery, fueling a weakened self-esteem.
Amplified organizational difficulties
Visuo-spatial dyspraxia often manifests as difficulties in organizing time and space: poorly kept agenda, frequent forgetfulness, difficulties in estimating the time needed to complete a task.
4.4 Dyspraxia in adults: a disorder that does not disappear
Contrary to what professionals thought twenty years ago, dyspraxia does not disappear in adulthood. It evolves, transforms, but remains present throughout life. Dyspraxic adults often develop effective compensatory strategies, but some situations remain difficult.
At work
Difficulties in technical gestures, tool use, driving, coordination in new spaces.
At home
Cooking, DIY, complex manual tasks remain laborious. Daily life gestures require more concentration.
Cognitive fatigue
The constant mental load related to coordination efforts leads to significant fatigue, often misunderstood by those around.
Social relationships
Gestural clumsiness, difficulties in orientation, anxiety in new situations can impact social life.
DYNSEO Training — DYS disorders in adulthood
Understand how dyspraxia evolves in adulthood, identify specific needs, and find concrete adaptation strategies for better daily living.
Discover the training →5. Dyspraxia and associated disorders: the reality of comorbidities
Dyspraxia rarely occurs alone. According to studies, between 50 and 70% of children with developmental coordination disorder have at least one other associated neurodevelopmental disorder. This reality complicates diagnosis and management, but it also explains why a global and multidisciplinary approach is essential.
| Associated disorder | Frequency with ADHD | Main cross-impacts |
|---|---|---|
| ADHD | 40-60 % | Attention difficulties exacerbating gestural planning difficulties |
| Dyslexia | 30-50 % | Double penalty in writing (graphic gesture + word decoding) |
| Dysphasia | 20-30 % | Combined difficulties in oral and gestural production |
| ASD (autism) | Variable | Amplified imitation and sensorimotor integration difficulties |
| Anxiety | 50-70 % | Secondary reaction to repeated failures and adaptation difficulties |
⚠️ Beware of diagnostic masking: When multiple disorders coexist, one may mask the other or be attributed to another diagnosis. A dyspraxic ADHD child may have their graphomotor difficulties attributed solely to their inattention. A comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation is essential to avoid missing a dyspraxia.
6. How is the dyspraxia diagnosis made?
The diagnosis of ADHD/dyspraxia is a multidisciplinary diagnosis. It cannot be made by a single professional based on a single observation. It requires a rigorous evaluation that meets the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5.
6.1 The diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5
Acquisition and execution of motor coordination significantly impaired
Motor performances are well below what is expected for age, considering learning opportunities. This manifests as clumsiness, slowness, and imprecision of movements.
Significant functional impact
Motor deficits significantly disrupt daily activities, schooling, pre-professional activities, and leisure.
Onset during the developmental period
Symptoms have been present since the early phases of motor development, even if they only fully manifest when demands increase.
Absence of other explanation
The difficulties are not better explained by an intellectual disability, a visual disorder, a neurological disease (cerebral palsy, DMD), or another medical condition.
6.2 The professionals involved in the assessment
Doctor / Child neurologist
Coordinates the assessment, rules out medical causes, makes or confirms the diagnosis. The request for assessment often comes from the general practitioner or pediatrician.
Psychomotrician
Assesses global and fine motor skills, balance, coordination, body schema. Uses standardized assessments like the M-ABC2.
Orthoptist / Occupational therapist
Assesses visuospatial functions, fine motor skills, and necessary adaptations for school and daily life. Proposes concrete adjustments.
Neuropsychologist
Evaluates the overall cognitive profile (IQ, working memory, executive functions, attention) to understand the child's strengths and weaknesses.
6.3 Standardized assessment tools
Several standardized assessments are used to objectify motor difficulties. The most commonly used in France is the Movement Assessment Battery for Children – 2nd edition (M-ABC 2), which evaluates manual dexterity, ball skills, and static/dynamic balance. Other tools like the MABC Check-List, the BOT-2 (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test), or the DCD-Q (parent questionnaire) complement the evaluation.
DYNSEO Articulation Tracking Chart
For children with associated verbal dyspraxia, the articulation tracking chart allows the speech therapist and the family to monitor progress on the sounds being worked on.
Access the tool7. The consequences of dyspraxia on the child's development
Beyond gestural difficulties, undiagnosed or poorly supported dyspraxia can have significant consequences on the child's overall development, particularly in emotional and social aspects.
7.1 Self-esteem: the first victim of unrecognized dyspraxia
A dyspraxic child who does not understand why he "cannot do like others" often develops a negative self-image. Repeated reprimands ("pay attention", "you could make an effort"), poor grades in art or PE despite efforts, and teasing from peers accumulate and gradually weaken self-esteem.
Studies show that children with TDC exhibit significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and school refusal than their peers. Depression in children is a reality that often begins with untreated self-esteem difficulties.
7.2 Fatigue: invisible but central
Dyspraxia generates invisible cognitive and physical fatigue but is ever-present. Unlike their peers, dyspraxic children expend considerable energy on tasks that are automatic for others. A regular school day represents for them an effort comparable to two days of intense work.
The visual timer: DYNSEO offers a visual timer particularly suited for dyspraxic children. By concretely visualizing the passing time, the child can better anticipate transitions, reduce anxiety related to time management, and organize their efforts more effectively.
7.3 Schooling: essential adjustments
Without appropriate adjustments, a dyspraxic child is in a situation of double jeopardy: their intellectual abilities cannot be expressed because their gestural difficulties saturate their cognitive resources. School adjustments (PPRE, PAP, PPS as applicable) are essential for the child to show what they really know.
| Arrangement | Benefit for the dyspraxic child | Device |
|---|---|---|
| Extra time for exams | Compensates for graphic slowness without penalizing content | PAP / PPS |
| Use of the computer | Frees cognitive resources from graphomotor skills | PAP / PPS |
| Exemption from certain graphic exercises | Evaluates skills based on content rather than form | PAP |
| Preferred seating in class | Reduces distractions and facilitates copying from the board | PAP |
| Photocopies of lessons | Eliminates laborious and incomplete note-taking | PAP |
Training — Identifying and supporting DYS disorders in primary school
An essential training for teachers, AESH, and parents wishing to understand how dyspraxia manifests in a school context and what arrangements to implement.
Access the training →8. Management and support for dyspraxia
There is no curative treatment for dyspraxia. However, early, consistent, and multidisciplinary management can significantly improve the quality of life of those affected and develop effective compensatory strategies.
8.1 Psychomotricity: the cornerstone of management
The psychomotrician is the central contact in the management of dyspraxia. The sessions aim to improve sensory-motor integration, develop body awareness, work on gesture planning, and enhance self-esteem through the body. Current approaches prioritize work in natural and meaningful situations rather than repetitive decontextualized exercises.
8.2 Occupational therapy: adapting the environment instead of adapting the child
The occupational therapist adopts a different and complementary approach: rather than trying to "correct" the gesture, they work to adapt the environment and tools to the specific needs of the child. Triangular pen, finger guide, keyboard overlay, non-slip tape under the sheet, organization of the backpack… These simple adaptations can radically transform the daily life of a dyspraxic child.
8.3 Speech therapy for verbal dyspraxia
When dyspraxia affects the oro-facial sphere (verbal dyspraxia), speech therapy management is essential. It works on the planning and programming of articulatory movements, improves sound precision and speech intelligibility.
3-Column Table — Structuring Tool
The 3-column table from DYNSEO is an excellent structuring tool for children with dyspraxia who struggle to organize their ideas or tasks. It makes progress visible and helps break down complex activities.
Use the 3-Column Table8.4 Digital Cognitive Stimulation
Digital tools play an increasing role in supporting DYS disorders. The COCO app from DYNSEO, specially designed for children, offers fun activities that work on cognitive functions (attention, memory, sequences) in a suitable and caring format. The touch interface bypasses graphomotor difficulties while allowing the child to experience successes that boost their self-confidence.
9. Daily Life with Dyspraxia: Practical Tips for Families
Living with a child with dyspraxia requires adapting the family environment and a new way of approaching learning. Here are practical principles that make a difference in daily life.
Break Down Complex Tasks into Small Steps
Don't say "go get ready" but "first put on your T-shirt, then your pants..." A visual checklist of the steps in the morning routine makes a significant difference.
Adapt Tools and the Environment
Velcro instead of laces, clothes without buttons, plates with edges, ergonomic pens, visual organization of space... Each adaptation frees up cognitive energy for what matters.
Value Strengths, Not Just Work on Difficulties
Children with dyspraxia often have remarkable verbal, logical, or creative skills. Identifying and nurturing these strengths is as important as working on difficulties.
Allow Extra Time for Everything
The child with dyspraxia needs more time for daily tasks. Anticipating this need by adjusting schedules reduces stress for everyone.
Preserve Self-Esteem at All Costs
Avoid comparisons with siblings or peers. Every progress, even minimal, deserves recognition. The child must understand that their worth does not depend on their motor skills.
Training — Supporting a child with DYS disorders: keys and solutions for everyday life
The complete training from DYNSEO for parents and professionals: understanding dyspraxia, using the right words for difficulties, and implementing concrete and caring strategies.
Discover the training →10. Dyspraxia and school life: how school can become a place of flourishing
School is often the first place where dyspraxia becomes visible, and unfortunately also the first place of suffering for the affected children. However, with targeted adaptations and good communication between the teaching team, health professionals, and the family, school can become a space for success for the dyspraxic child.
10.1 The central role of the teacher
The teacher is often the first professional to notice signs indicative of dyspraxia. Particularly slow and laborious writing despite excellent oral participation, disproportionate difficulties in geometry compared to mental calculation abilities, chronic disorganization of the notebook or desk… These signals deserve to be shared with the parents and the educational team.
Once the diagnosis is made, the teacher plays a crucial role in implementing accommodations. A few simple gestures can radically transform the child's daily life: providing a photocopy of the lesson instead of requiring them to copy, accepting oral or computer-based responses, not evaluating graphic presentation but intellectual content, giving them more time without stigmatizing them in front of classmates.
📌 The law: what the school must do
In France, the law of February 11, 2005, for the equality of rights and opportunities for people with disabilities recognizes the right to education in a regular environment with the necessary adjustments. An IEP (Individualized Education Plan) can be set up by the school doctor at the request of the parents. There is no need for MDPH for an IEP. For more significant adjustments (AESH, specialized equipment), the PPS (Personalized Schooling Project) goes through the MDPH with a recognition of disability.
10.2 Assistive technologies: powerful allies
The computer or tablet is often the most effective compensatory tool for a child with dyspraxia. By bypassing graphomotor skills, it allows the child to show their true intellectual abilities. However, using a computer at school is not straightforward: it takes time to learn to type quickly, to organize files, and to adapt the interface.
Word processing software with spell check, voice dictation tools (Dragon, Google Voice), digital mind mapping tools (MindMeister, Coggle), and visual planning applications are all tools that deserve to be explored with the occupational therapist.
11. Dyspraxia and professional life: succeeding despite the challenges
Adults with dyspraxia face specific challenges in the professional world, often unrecognized because the disorder remains little known in adults. However, with the right adjustments and good self-awareness, a fulfilling professional life is entirely accessible.
11.1 Suitable professions and sectors
Some sectors particularly value the strengths often present in people with dyspraxia: creativity, branching thinking, verbal and analytical skills, empathy developed through extensive experience with difficulties. Freelance professions, communication, consulting, teaching, research, or arts are often cited by adults with dyspraxia as environments where they thrive.
Conversely, highly manual jobs requiring fine motor precision, quick execution, or frequent navigation in new spaces can be more challenging to engage in without specific adjustments.
Common strengths of adults with dyspraxia
Creative and original thinking, excellent verbal skills, developed empathy, tenacity in the face of obstacles, ability to find alternative solutions and think "outside the box".
Adjustments in the workplace
Fixed and organized desk, dual screens, noise-canceling headphones, voice dictation software, visual task lists, remote work when possible, extra time for tasks involving fine motor skills.
Recognition of Disability Status and support
The Recognition of the Quality of Disabled Worker (RQTH) allows access to workplace adjustments and support from AGEFIPH or FIPHFP for public agents.
Talking about dyspraxia at work
The decision to disclose dyspraxia to the employer is personal. The occupational doctor, bound by medical confidentiality, is a privileged contact to find the right adjustments without revealing everything.
11.2 Continuing education for adults with dyspraxia
Learning does not stop at school. Adults with dyspraxia can benefit from training adapted to their cognitive needs: short formats, learning through video and audio rather than text, practical and concrete exercises, personalized pace. Quality e-learning courses often meet these needs better than traditional in-person training.
Training — DYS disorders in adulthood: better understand and adapt
A training designed for adults with dyspraxia and their surroundings: understanding how the disorder manifests in professional and personal life, and developing concrete adaptation strategies.
Access the training →12. Cognitive tests and resources to better understand dyspraxia
Understanding your child's cognitive profile is an essential step in supporting dyspraxia. DYNSEO offers a comprehensive platform of online cognitive tests allowing exploration of different functions: attention, memory, coordination, sequences… These tools do not replace a professional assessment but help better understand your child's profile and guide discussions with specialists.
🔍 Understanding the cognitive profile: why it's useful
A child with dyspraxia may have excellent verbal memory but deficient visuo-spatial memory. Understanding this profile allows for the adaptation of learning strategies by leveraging strengths and compensating for difficulties — a much more effective approach than "working harder" uniformly.
It is also important to note that dyspraxia is not an obstacle to long studies or academic success. Many adults with dyspraxia hold advanced degrees and occupy responsible positions. Intelligence, creativity, and perseverance — which many individuals with dyspraxia develop precisely because of the challenges they have overcome — are real assets in many professional sectors.
Online cognitive tests also allow for tracking progress over time and measuring the impact of therapeutic interventions. For psychomotor therapists, occupational therapists, and neuropsychologists, having an overview of the child's cognitive functions — beyond just motor skills — greatly enriches the care provided. DYNSEO has developed a suite of accessible and validated assessments that usefully complement formal evaluations.
For families who wish to go further in understanding the disorder, support groups among parents of children with dyspraxia also play a valuable role. Sharing concrete strategies, feeling understood, and not being alone in facing daily challenges provide irreplaceable emotional support. Associations like DYS-POSITIF or the French Federation of DYS (FFDys) offer resources, discussion groups, and updated information on the rights of individuals with dyspraxia.
In summary
Dyspraxia is a real, lasting, and complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the planning and coordination of voluntary movements. It does not disappear with willpower or training — it is compensated for, adapted to, and accompanied. Early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care, and appropriate adjustments allow individuals with dyspraxia to reveal the full extent of their often remarkable verbal and intellectual abilities.
Access the DYS training from DYNSEO →FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about dyspraxia
Q1 At what age can a diagnosis of dyspraxia be made?
The diagnosis of ADHD can be considered from the age of 5, as before this age the variability of motor development is too significant to distinguish a disorder from simple developmental delay. In practice, many children are diagnosed between the ages of 6 and 9, often following difficulties identified in preparatory classes. A multidisciplinary assessment (psychomotor therapist, occupational therapist, pediatric neurologist) is still necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Q2 Can dyspraxia completely heal?
Dyspraxia does not "heal" in the medical sense: the neurological disorder remains present throughout life. However, with appropriate support (psychomotricity, occupational therapy, school adaptations), many people develop very effective compensatory strategies that allow them to lead a fulfilling professional and personal life. Difficulties often significantly diminish in adulthood thanks to accumulated experience.
Q3 How to distinguish dyspraxia from simple clumsiness?
All children are clumsy at certain periods of development. Dyspraxia is discussed when motor difficulties are significantly below expectations for age, persistent despite practice, and have a real functional impact on schooling, autonomy, and daily activities. The key criterion is the impact: occasional clumsiness without repercussions on the child's life does not constitute a disorder. A standardized psychomotor assessment (M-ABC 2) allows for the objective measurement of difficulties.
Q4 Can my dyspraxic child play sports?
Absolutely, and it is even highly recommended. Some sports are naturally more suitable: swimming (no ball, structured environment), martial arts (coded and repetitive movements), climbing (coordination and problem-solving), dance (rhythmic and repetitive). It is better to initially avoid team ball sports that require complex coordination with unpredictable partners. The important thing is to find an activity where the child can have successful experiences and enjoy themselves.
Q5 What training exists to better support a dyspraxic child?
DYNSEO offers several online training courses accessible to both parents and professionals: Supporting a child with DYS disorders, Identifying DYS disorders in primary school and DYS disorders in adulthood. These certified training courses provide practical keys and tools that can be directly applied in daily life.
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