When parents realize their child is challenged with a neurological disease like dyspraxia which is also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in medical science, it becomes necessary to know more about this condition and its best treatment therapies to improve the quality of life for both the child and parents. Dyspraxia is known to affect a child’s ability to precisely plan, process and execute motor tasks by developing poor brain-to-body coordination. It is considered a lifelong medical condition that can create unique challenges in a child’s natural development and daily life. In this blog, we will understand more about dyspraxia, its unique symptoms, and how to manage it effectively for parents and caregivers to support children who are suffering from this condition.
More About Dyspraxia:
Dyspraxia is commonly known as a developmental disorder that directly affects the smooth coordination and fine motor skills in children. Children who are diagnosed with dyspraxia often tend to struggle with completing those tasks that require fine motor skills (such as writing or buttoning a shirt) and gross motor skills (like running or jumping). While dyspraxia does not affect the level of intelligence of the child, yet it can make it extremely challenging for children to perform normal tasks that require proper coordination and can adversely impact their academic and social lives.
Some Common Causes of Dyspraxia
The exact cause of dyspraxia is not well understood by modern science, but experts in the field believe it to be related to the incompetent way the brain processes all the information. Some common factors that usually contribute to the development of dyspraxia in children include the following:
• Genetic Factors: There could possibly be a hereditary component to give rise to dyspraxia, as it can run in family genetics.
• Premature Birth: Children who are born prematurely or with low birth weight are at higher risk of developing Dyspraxia.
• Neurological Factors: If any issues with brain development or damage to certain areas of the brain are found, it may play a role in developing Dyspraxia.
Some Symptoms of Dyspraxia To Know About:
Early Childhood (Preschool Age)
• There can be delays in reaching Natural Developmental Milestones: like crawling, walking, or talking.
• Some difficulties with Fine Motor Skills can be experienced: Certain challenges with usual tasks like holding a pencil, using scissors, or putting on clothes.
• Poor Balance and Coordination are observed: There can be visible trouble in running, jumping, or catching a ball.
School-Age Children
• Difficulty with Learning Handwriting: These include poor pencil grip, slow writing speed, and unreadable handwriting.
• Challenges with Completing Daily Activities: Problems with dressing, tying shoelaces, or using utensils are common.
• Struggles with Physical Activities: There is difficulty in participating in sports or physical education due to poor motor coordination.
Adolescents or Teenagers
• Persistent Motor Challenges: Some ongoing difficulties with coordination and motor tasks can be experienced.
• Organizational Problems: All-time struggle situations with planning, organizing, and completing tasks on time become challenging.
• Low Self-Esteem: Instances of sudden frustration and low confidence are observed due to difficulties in adjusting to academic and social settings.
Diagnosis of Dyspraxia
The diagnosis of dyspraxia involves an all-inclusive assessment to be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional, typically a pediatrician, neurologist, or occupational therapist who can determine the presence or absence of Dyspraxia symptoms in the child or adult. The evaluation usually includes the following:
• Developmental History: The assessment helps in reviewing the child’s developmental milestones and any delays to determine the presence or absence of Dyspraxia.
• Motor Skills Assessment: Fine and gross motor skills are put to the test through various normal tasks and completing common activities.
• Observations: Observations are made after watching the child perform everyday tasks to identify coordination difficulties if any.
Correct Treatment and Perfect Management Approach of Dyspraxia
There is no definite cure for dyspraxia as of now, however, various worldwide utilized medical interventions and treatment therapies can help children manage their symptoms correctly and perfect their motor skills. Majority of all treatment plans are often customized to suit the individual needs of the child and may include the following:
1. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists who are certified and experienced are known to work with children and their families to develop healthy motor skills that are effective, improve hand-eye coordination, and improve everyday living skills. Therapy sessions are customized accordingly to benefit each unique child and may involve engaging activities like puzzles, drawing, and practising self-care tasks.
2. Physical Therapy
Physical therapists are extremely helpful to children with dyspraxia in developing gross motor skills, maintaining balance, and perfecting nervous coordination. Therapy for dyspraxia includes certain exercises to improve overall strength, flexibility, and motor planning.
3. Speech and Language Therapy
Some children who are challenged with dyspraxia may also develop speech and language difficulties that result in poor communication skills. Speech therapists use a wide range of methods for improving word articulation, speech fluency, and overall communication skills to achieve clear interaction skills.
4. Educational Support
Schools can be of utmost importance to kids with dyspraxia as they can provide the needed support by creating individualized education plans (IEPs) for better learning, which can better outline specific accommodations and modifications in the learning process to help the child come out with flying colours of the rainbow academically. Some examples of custom modifications are extra time for tests, modified assignments, or the use of assistive technology in classrooms.
Best Tips To Support a Child Diagnosed with Dyspraxia:
• Be Patient: It is important to understand that some simple-seeming tasks may take longer and require more effort for completion, hence always be patient with a child challenged with dyspraxia.
• Celebrate Successes: Recognizing success is the biggest motivation for the child and when parents, teachers, and caregivers celebrate all small achievements it builds confidence in the child.
• Provide Clear Instructions: Dyspraxia is a complex neurological disease hence it is advised to give simple, step-by-step instructions for tasks and activities to children for best outcomes and positive results.
• Encourage Social Interaction: It is necessary to help the child develop important social skills and meaningful friendships through consistent encouragement to interact socially.
Conclusion: Get the Right Support, Treatment and Knowledge and Diminish Dyspraxia’s Symptoms In summary, Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder, is a challenging medical condition of a neurological disorder that affects a child’s ability to effectively and naturally perform motor tasks as well as coordinate responsive movements. When parents are able to recognize the early signs and seek early medical support, it can make a significant difference in a child’s overall development, quality of life and improve the future of the child. Dr. R.K. Jain at Child Neurology Center, Gurgaon is an internationally trained, qualified and certified Paediatritian who can effectively treat Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder in children. Remember by working together with parents, teachers, and expert healthcare professionals like Dr. R.K. Jain children challenged with dyspraxia can unlock their complete potential and enjoy the journey of life with complete independence and individual success.