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Dyspraxia in Children
Dyspraxia affects how a child plans and coordinates movement. It is also called developmental coordination disorder, or DCD. A child with dyspraxia is often bright and capable, but everyday things like getting dressed, writing, riding a bike or catching a ball can take far more effort than they do for other children.
Primitive Reflex Integration Practitioner · Brain Gym® Consultant · Qualified primary school teacher · Mum of three
I’m Michele, a Primitive Reflex Integration Practitioner and Brain Gym® Consultant in Perth. I work with children with dyspraxia, and this page explains what it can look like, who to see about a diagnosis, and how I work with the symptoms to help everyday life feel more manageable.
What is dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia is a difference in the way the brain plans, organises and carries out movement. It is not about intelligence or effort. A child knows what they want their body to do, but getting the body to do it smoothly and in the right order is hard work.
Dyspraxia is a diagnosis, and it is made by health professionals such as a paediatrician, usually with input from other professionals. I do not diagnose dyspraxia. If you think your child may have it, your GP is the right place to start.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Signs of dyspraxia in children at home and at school
Seeming clumsy: tripping, bumping into things or dropping things more than other children
Poor balance and coordination, and finding it hard to learn skills like riding a bike, skipping or catching a ball
Trouble with fine motor skills such as handwriting, scissors, buttons, zips and cutlery
Taking longer to learn a new movement, and needing to be shown many times
Difficulty with tasks that have several steps, like getting dressed or packing a school bag
Tiring easily, poor posture or slumping at a desk
Frustration, or avoiding sport and playground games
Every child is different, and there can be many reasons for each of these. Seeing a few of them does not mean your child has dyspraxia.
How I work with children with dyspraxia
I work with the symptoms. My sessions use simple, gentle movements and play to help the brain and body communicate better, with the aim of making everyday life feel more manageable for your child and your family.
Part of what I look at is primitive reflexes, the automatic movements babies are born with. When a reflex has not fully integrated, it can make balance, posture, coordination and fine motor skills harder than they should be. An assessment shows whether retained reflexes are part of the picture for your child.
My work is movement based and sits alongside the care your child gets from their doctor and other professionals, not instead of it.
AT HOME
Simple things to try at home
- Break tasks into small steps, and practise one step at a time
- Lots of whole body play: crawling games, climbing, swimming and time at the playground
- Play that builds hand strength, such as playdough, pegs, threading and building blocks
- Allow extra time for dressing and getting out the door, so there is less rushing
- Notice and celebrate effort, not only the result
When to ask your GP about dyspraxia
If movement difficulties are getting in the way of school, play or your child’s confidence, please talk to your GP or paediatrician. They can look at what is going on and refer you on for an assessment if it is needed.
WORKING WITH ME
How I can help
In an initial appointment I assess which primitive reflexes are still active, along with brain and body organisation and side dominance. We then work through simple, playful movements in weekly sessions, with “home play” in between. You can see the full process and prices on my services page.
Positive results are usually seen after 5 or 6 weeks, and sooner when the home play is done regularly.
QUESTIONS
Common questions
Is dyspraxia the same as developmental coordination disorder (DCD)?
Yes. Dyspraxia is also called developmental coordination disorder, or DCD. It affects how a child plans and coordinates movement, and it is not about intelligence or effort.
Can you diagnose dyspraxia?
No. Dyspraxia is diagnosed by health professionals, and your GP or paediatrician is the place to start. I work with the symptoms through movement, whether or not your child has a diagnosis.
Can my child see you alongside other professionals?
Yes. My work is movement based and looks at the whole brain and body connection, and many families see me alongside other professionals.
Does my child need a diagnosis to see you?
No. You are welcome to get in touch for a free phone chat about what you are noticing in your child.
Can I use NDIS funding?
I am not a registered NDIS provider, but I welcome self-managed NDIS clients. Families who manage their own NDIS funding have been able to claim my sessions.
Do you only see children in Perth?
I see children face to face in Perth and also offer online appointments.
Not sure where to start?
You are welcome to get in touch for a free phone chat about what you are noticing in your child.