Dyspraxia – Understanding & Support
📘What is Dyspraxia (DCD)?
Dyspraxia, also called Developmental Coordination Disorder, is a neurological difference that affects how the brain plans and coordinates movement. It can impact fine motor skills (like writing), gross motor skills (like running or jumping), and sequencing multi-step tasks.
It is not caused by low intelligence or lack of effort. Many people with dyspraxia are creative, empathetic, and excellent verbal communicators.
🪄Quick Facts
- Can co-occur with ADHD, Dyslexia, or Autism
- May be noticed first in PE, handwriting, or self-care
- Organisation and motor planning can be hard
- OT, SLT, and classroom supports help a lot
- Emotional support is just as important as motor support
🔢Signs & Traits
Common Signs
- Clumsiness or frequent dropping things
- Difficulty with buttons, zips, or tying shoes
- Messy or slow handwriting
- Struggles to copy from the board
- Finds new motor tasks tiring
How It Affects Learning
- Written work takes longer
- PE and sports may feel intimidating
- Organisation of books/bag is hard
- Multi-step tasks (first, next, then) are tricky
- May avoid tasks that feel embarrassing
🧩Support & Teaching Strategies
Dyspraxia support should always be compassionate, step-by-step, and low-pressure. Build success first, then complexity.
1. Break It Down
- Teach one step at a time
- Use visual task boards (“First / Then / Next”)
- Model the task slowly
2. Motor-Friendly Tools
- Pencil grips / slant boards
- Keyboard or tablet for longer writing
- Velcro shoes or adaptive clothing
3. Sensory & Movement
- Allow movement breaks
- Provide stable seating (wobble cushion, footrest)
- Use heavier tools for better feedback
4. Emotional Safety
- Never shame for clumsiness
- Pair with supportive peers
- Celebrate effort, not neatness
Language Matters 💜
Dyspraxia is not laziness or carelessness. The brain needs more time to plan and send signals to the body.
- ✅ “Learner with dyspraxia / DCD”
- ✅ “Needs extra time for motor planning”
- ✅ “Let’s make this task easier to manage”
- 🚫 Avoid: “Try harder,” “You’re so messy,” “Stop fidgeting”
🍃Calm Corner Reflection 🌿
What is one task this learner finds hard (putting books away, writing fast, PE)? How can I reduce the steps, slow the pace, or offer an adaptive tool to make it achievable?
Downloads & Classroom Tools
Use these with your printable packs / Canva pages.
Dyspraxia Support Checklist (PDF) Visual Task Board Template Adaptive Tools List for Parents