Dyspraxia / DCD
Developmental dyspraxia and apraxia describe difficulty planning, organising, and executing smooth and controlled physical movements.
Causes of dyspraxia and apraxia
The cause is unknown, but recent studies suggest immature development of neurons in the brain.
Strengths of people with dyspraxia and apraxia
- Entrepreneurial creativity and thinking outside of the box.
- Observant.
- Great long-term memory.
- Resilient.
How to identify dyspraxia and apraxia
- Toddlers and preschoolers may display delayed motor development. For example, a young child may delay sitting, crawling, and walking.
- Young children may have difficulty learning new motor skills, such as running, riding bikes, swimming, or catching balls.
- May have difficulty interpreting and taking on social and professional relationships.
- May seem distracted and show decreased attention.
- May avoid physical activities and exercises.
- May not tolerate changes in plans; ay appear stubborn and inflexible.
Subcategories of dyspraxia and apraxia
- Design copying praxis: the ability to copy or reconstruct 3D or 2D designs and movements.
- Oral praxis: the ability to produce and imitate movements and positions with one’s tongue, mouth, and cheek. Oral praxis difficulties may impact expressive speech.
- Manual expressions or symbolic praxis: the ability to pretend to use objects from pictures. Manual expressions or Symbolic praxis requires the integration and planning of visual-motor skills and manual manipulation of hands.
- Sequencing praxis: the ability to plan, arrange, and creatively change sequences of movements.
- Verbal command praxis: the ability to conduct gestures on verbal command.
Management
- There is currently no cure for dyspraxia and apraxia, but Occupational, Speech and Physical therapy following sensory integration techniques have proven to be successful when it comes to management.
- Improve and practice motor and executive functioning skills such as planning, organization, timing, focus, flexibility, and self-control and awareness.
- Practice new and challenging motor skills by breaking such skills up into smaller manageable steps will aid in the execution of complex motor skills.
- Young children will benefit from playing outside and navigating through obstacle courses. Adults may try out challenging and new physical skills.
- General sensory stimulation may assist in the management of oral dyspraxia. Various textured objects placed against cheeks, vibrating toothbrushes, lollipops, chewy tubes, blowing bubbles, or honey dippers may be used to strengthen oral-facial muscles.
© Ntsaki Mashele, May 2022
