Dyspraxia Developmental Coordination Disorder
"Dyspraxia affects 5% of the UK and as many as 1.6m employees. Males are four times more likely to be affected than females"
Definition:
Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a neurological condition that affects motor skills, coordination, and the ability to perform everyday tasks.
It is characterised by difficulties in planning and executing coordinated movements, which can impact a person’s daily life and activities. Dyspraxia is not related to intelligence, but it can affect learning and social skills due to challenges in physical coordination.
Presentation and Experience:
Individuals with dyspraxia may experience a range of challenges, often beginning in early childhood. They might struggle with tasks that require fine motor skills, such as writing, tying shoelaces, or buttoning clothes, as well as gross motor skills like running or jumping.
The condition can also affect organisational skills, time management, and the ability to process sensory information. For someone with dyspraxia, these challenges can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and low self-esteem, particularly when they see peers performing tasks with ease.
By understanding dyspraxia and implementing supportive strategies, employers can create an inclusive workplace that leverages the unique strengths and talents of neurodiverse employees.
Common Traits of Dyspraxia:
• Difficulty with coordination and balance
• Poor hand-eye coordination
• Challenges with fine motor tasks (e.g., writing, using tools)
• Trouble with sequencing and organisation
• Sensory sensitivity (e.g. to noise, touch, or light)
• Slow to learn new skills and routines
• Speech and language difficulties, such as pronunciation issues or difficulty organising thoughts