Dyspraxia is thought to affect roughly 5% of the population, but public awareness is low and, for many people, dyspraxia remains an unknown.
More formally known as developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), the key features of the condition – which tends to affect men more than women – are difficulties affecting large and small body movements.
“These can make it difficult to manage everyday activities such as using a tin opener, tying shoe laces and handling cutlery,” Sophie Kayani, chair of the Dyspraxia Foundation, tells HuffPost UK.
What Are The Symptoms Of Dyspraxia?
People with dyspraxia may have difficulties with co-ordination, balance and movement. They might also struggle with learning new skills, thinking and remembering information.
The condition can impact a person’s daily life skills, says NHS Choices, such as dressing or preparing meals. They might talk more slowly or repeat themselves – but it’s important to note the disorder doesn’t affect a person’s intelligence.
Other potential issues may include:
:: Writing, typing, drawing and grasping small objects
:: Dealing with emotions
:: Time management, planning and personal organisation.
By adulthood, many people develop strategies to manage their condition, but challenges can re-emerge when they are faced with new tasks or when the environment is challenging (for example, if it’s very busy or loud). “An individual’s co-ordination difficulties may affect participation in education, work and employment,” says Kayani.
A survey of parents and carers highlighted the hidden and distressing impact of the disorder on mental health – 70% of people aged 25 and over were frequently or nearly always anxious.
How Is Dyspraxia Diagnosed?
Dyspraxia is usually diagnosed in childhood but more people are being diagnosed as adults as awareness grows, Kayani says.
Currently there is no ‘gold standard’ tool for diagnosing dyspraxia in adults, however the ‘adult DCD checklist’ is a useful starting point – this is free to download and can be found here.
If you think you might have dyspraxia, speak to your GP. The NHS advises keeping a diary of your symptoms. If a doctor believes a patient has dyspraxia, they might then refer them to a specialist for tests.
Is It Treatable?
There is no cure for dyspraxia, but symptoms can be managed with occupational therapy and physiotherapy, says Kayani. These can help people develop the skills they need to master activities that are important to them.
The NHS recommends cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a talking therapy that can help a person manage their problems by changing the way they think and behave. It also suggests learning how to use a computer or laptop if writing by hand is difficult, and using a calendar or diary to improve organisation.
Kayani says people are also advised to:
:: Exercise regularly, which reduces stress, increases muscle tone and helps with posture.
:: Identify and focus on strengths and difficulties to maximise employment potential. People can seek help through programmes such as Access to Work from Jobcentre Plus.
:: Wear coloured overlays/glasses, which may help to reduce mental fatigue.
:: Learn life skills as early as possible – such as cooking, ironing, shopping for food and laundry – to gain confidence in abilities and raise self-esteem.