Dyspraxia, or developmental coordination disorder (DCD) affects a person's physical coordination of both fine and gross motor skills as well as balance. Coordinating your movements is a complex process that involves many different parts of the brain. When they are disrupted it can cause issues with the body's sense of time and space.
It can impact everyday activities in children and young people, including:
DCD is a co-ordination disorder which is more commonly known to affect physical coordination, making a child perform less well than expected in daily activities for their age or appear to move clumsily.
In young children with DCD, developmental milestones such as crawling, walking and self-feeding may be delayed. Skills in drawing, writing and performance in sports are usually behind what is expected for their age.
DCD can also cause information processing differences, which can lead to children and young people finding it difficult to concentrate, having difficulties keeping themselves organised and taking time to pick up new skills.
Early Signs of DCD in Infants
Delays in reaching normal developmental milestones can be an early sign of DCD in young children. For example, taking longer than expected to roll over, sit, crawl or walk.
You may also notice:
Signs of DCD in Older Children
As your child grows, they may develop more noticeable physical difficulties, plus issues in other areas. These include:
Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) may appear clumsy or awkward which can affect their participation in sports, or other physical events.
Issues with Information Processing
As well as differences related to movement and coordination, children and young people can have other issues related to how they process information. These include:
Additional Issues
Other issues that can stem from frustration with their symptoms include:
If you suspect your child has developmental coordination disorder (DCD) the first step is to ask for support from your GP, health visitor or special educational needs and disabilities coordinator (SENDCo). It's important to remember that you do not need a diagnosis in order to get support for your child's needs.
At home, you can support your child by:
Find advice on occupational therapy for parents and carers here
A diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is usually made by a paediatrician, often in collaboration with an occupational therapist.
Your child will be assessed using tests involving:
Sometimes your child will also have an assessment of their cognitive ability by a psychologist or paediatrician. The professional involved will produce a report on your child's condition and you will be able to have feedback to discuss any concerns.
Let us know what you think!
We've been working together in Norfolk and Waveney with families and professionals to put together information, advice and resources that are helpful to families. Let us know what you think, and anything we could change or add to make it even better.
If you live in Norfolk
You can contact the Healthy Child Service team by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you are 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of our team.
If you live in Waveney
Norfolk SEND Local Offer provide information and advice on services for young people with additional needs in Norfolk.
Suffolk SEND Local Offer provide information and advice on services for young people with additional needs in Waveney.
Mencap is a national charity who support people with learning disabilities. They offer a free Learning Disability Helpline with advice and guidance. Call 0808 808 1111 to speak to a trained professional.
Kooth offers online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support for anyone aged 10-18, seven days a week until 10pm.
Also in this section...
Many people in the UK prefer to use the term dyspraxia to refer to their differences with movement and coordination, but this term is used less by health professionals. 
There can be lots of professionals involved in supporting your child if you suspect they have developmental coordination disorder (DCD).
DCD can feel confusing for young people as their characteristics can be easily misunderstood. With more understanding and awareness of the condition, young people can feel confident that support is available to help them make life a bit easier.
Some famous figures who have DCD have accomplished great things and have had successful careers.
