Introduction
Living with motor coordination difficulties can be very challenging - not least in getting recognition of the problem and a diagnosis. Not only do motor skills, that many of us take for granted, not come easily, but the child has to live with being seen as different and less able by their peers, themselves and those in charge of their care. In an ongoing study which asks parents what they feel would make a difference, one of the commonest unsolicited answers was for better understanding and recognition by schools.
To understand the frustration many dyspraxic children experience in performing normal day to day tasks watch the video below - you can try this yourselves using an A4 sheet and mirror.
A number of strategies/approaches can help.
However underlying all these, the single most important determinant of long term outcome is maintaining self esteem.
To do this is not easy, and requires tolerance on behalf of those caring for the child whether at home, school or elsewhere, particularly when a child is struggling to complete what the rest of us may see as an easy task. In this situation avoidance of name calling or criticism-“you’re so lazy”, “you’re so stupid” being common - is vital. Finding something to be good at can also help.
Dyspraxia rarely occurs in isolation, most children showing some features of other neurodevelopmental disorders such as dyslexia, ADHD, and Asperger’s syndrome.
Indeed most children with Asperger’s also have significant coordination difficulties. It is therefore important to manage the whole child and not just the problem that has been given a label. Those children with significant co morbidities are often more difficult to manage and may need a number of extra strategies put in place appropriate to their other needs.
