Have you ever heard of a disability called dyspraxia? If not, you aren’t alone; many people are unfamiliar with this disability. It’s important that individuals understand dyspraxia — that’s why Disability Living has packed this blog post full of information about it. Read on to learn more.
What in the world is dyspraxia?
“Dyspraxia is a disorder that affects motor skills development.” Motor skills problems can cause individuals to have trouble performing basic tasks, such as brushing teeth and waving goodbye to someone. It’s reported that 2 percent of individuals have dyspraxia, 70 percent being males. Also, “As many as 6 percent of all children show some signs of dyspraxia.”
Dyspraxia can cause someone to have problems with speech, self-care/grooming activities, “buttoning and buckling”, understanding “spacial relationships”, etc.
Read more about the effects of dyspraxia at http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyspraxia/what-is-dyspraxia?start=1.
How to help a child with dyspraxia
There are numerous children who deal with dyspraxia. This can make everyday challenges, such as attending school, extremely difficult. So how can you help a child with dyspraxia have an easier time? Here are just a few ways you can bring relief:
1. Find help — Is your child showing signs of dyspraxia? (See warning signs at http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyspraxia/what-is-dyspraxia?start=1.) If so, get help from a professional (Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist) as soon as you can.
2. Promote socializing – Try to gently encourage your child to participate in social activities. Why? Because kids with dyspraxia often do not have great social skills, and participating in social activities can help a child obtain them.
3. Teach coordination – It helps to teach your child tasks that are both fun and helpful to his/her coordination. Such tasks include swimming, riding a bike, etc. These activities can be done in conjunction with therapy.
4. Talk to teachers – Discuss your child’s problems, either diagnosed or suspected, with his or her teachers. To see a list of discussion points for parents and teachers, visit http://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/help-and-advice/special-needs-advice/types-of-sen/specific-learning-difficulties/360/helping-the-dyspraxic-child.
Interested in learning more about dyspraxia?
If you’d like more information on what dyspraxia is, be sure and visit http://www.ncld.org/learning-disability-resources/videos/video-what-is-dyspraxia. This link will lead you to a doctor’s explanation of dyspraxia via video.
*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority. Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.
Let’s Talk About It
Does your child have dyspraxia? If yes, what were the early warning signs you first noticed? How did you go about getting help? Feel free to share your story with us by commenting on this blog post.
What are some other ways to help a child with dyspraxia?