DYSPRAXIA is a developmental coordination disorder (DCD) affecting physical coordination in around 5 per cent of children, compared with the 1-2 per cent of children who have an autism spectrum disorder, and 3-5 per cent of children with ADHD.
But although dyspraxia is quite common, and famous faces like Daniel Radcliffe and Cara Delevingne have spoken about having the condition, people don't generally know much about it.
This could be because it's a hidden disability - it doesn't have any obvious physical indications, but it still affects the way children and adults function and participate in everyday life.
The Dyspraxia Foundation (dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk) says the condition can affect gross motor coordination - including large body movements such as balance and posture - and fine motor skills, allowing us to grip and handle objects like pencils and cutlery. It can also impact speech and executive functions such as memory, attention, time management and organisational skills.
"Dyspraxia affects all aspects of a person's life at home, school and elsewhere," stresses Dyspraxia Foundation trustee Sally Payne, chair of the charity's medical panel.
Dyspraxia is a lifelong condition more common in boys than girls, and it may run in families. Children tend to be diagnosed around seven years old, with Payne explaining: "This is when the gap between children's practical performance and their potential (personal and academic) become more apparent.
"We see children struggling with handwriting and in PE, and having difficulty keeping track of their 'things'. Young people say it's hard to 'get down on paper what they really want to say' because they write slowly, take longer to process instructions or are easily distracted.
"As a result, there's a real risk dyspraxic children will underachieve academically, which can affect their future employment, economic prospects and mental health."
Payne says around half of dyspraxic children will have another diagnosis, such as dyslexia or ADHD, and emphasises it's important all diagnoses are recognised - so children get the help and support they need to fulfil their potential.
So, how can you spot dyspraxia in a child? The Dyspraxia Foundation recommends looking out for these signs.
1. Late to milestones
Dyspraxic children may reach developmental milestones like sitting, standing, walking and speaking later than other children.
2. Problems with motor skills
They may struggle with gross motor skills like running, hopping, jumping, catching and kicking a ball, and walking up and down stairs, even though their friends have no problem with them.
3. Struggle with certain concepts
Dyspraxic children may not understand concepts like 'in', 'on', 'in front of', etc.
4. Poor grip
They struggle to hold a pen, pencil or cutlery, and write "laboriously and immaturely".
5. Frequent falls
They might seem clumsy and fall over a lot.
6. Few friends
Children with dyspraxia may have difficulty keeping friends, or understanding how to behave in company.
7. Not good at dressing
Dyspraxic children tend to be slow and hesitant in most actions, and may struggle to get dressed.
8. Struggle with jigsaws and art
They often can't do jigsaws or play shape-sorting games, and their drawings can seem immature.
9. Easily distracted
Dyspraxia might mean children have a poor attention span and get distracted easily, and this can make them anxious.
10. Better at one-on-one learning
Although dyspraxic children might not do well in lessons, have trouble with maths and writing structured stories, and have great difficulty copying from a whiteboard, they might be much better in one-on-one learning situations.
11. Can't follow instructions
Dyspraxic children often can't remember or follow instructions, and they can be poorly organised.
12. Struggle with PE
They might avoid PE and games at school, as they find it hard and frustrating.
If you think your child may have dyspraxia, talk to your GP, health visitor or school special needs coordinator.
