{"id":20470,"date":"2022-01-16T08:42:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-16T08:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=20470"},"modified":"2022-01-16T08:42:00","modified_gmt":"2022-01-16T08:42:00","slug":"key-signs-of-dyspraxia-developmental-coordination-disorder","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/childrens-vision\/guide-to-visual-development\/key-signs-of-dyspraxia-developmental-coordination-disorder\/","title":{"rendered":"Key Signs of Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wondering if your child may have dyspraxia? Here are some signs to look out for.<\/h2>\n

Does your child have messy handwriting? Do they have trouble navigating spaces without bumping into objects or people? Is it hard for them to catch a ball or keep up with their peers on the sports field?<\/p>\n

Your child may have dyspraxia.<\/p>\n

What is dyspraxia?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder, is a condition that affects the gross and fine motor skills.<\/b><\/p>\n

Gross motor skills are those that involve movement of large muscles and muscle groups in the body. Activities such as riding a bike, running and jumping are good examples.<\/p>\n

Fine motor skills involve movements of small joints and muscles, such as those in the wrists and fingers. Activities include catching a ball, writing and doing crafts.<\/p>\n

With dyspraxia, a child\u2019s motor planning and coordination abilities are often both affected.<\/p>\n

Dyspraxia can make it very difficult for children to perform everyday tasks, keep up with lessons in class and get their homework and classwork done on time.<\/p>\n

Signs of dyspraxia<\/b><\/h2>\n

Dyspraxia manifests in different ways during the different stages of development.<\/p>\n

Preschool years\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

The common signs of dyspraxia in children up to age 5 include difficulties with:<\/p>\n