Dyspraxia: Types, Causes & Treatment

Dyspraxia is a neurological disorder that makes it hard to coordinate body movements. It may also affect balance and posture and, in some cases, make speaking difficult.

Dyspraxia is often noticed in childhood. A child may be seen as “clumsy” because they may break objects, trip, or fall without an obvious reason. Dyspraxia can also develop in adults. This is more likely after a stroke or a traumatic brain injury.

It is important for a person with dyspraxia to be supported by a multidisciplinary team. This team may include a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and a speech-language pathologist. With this approach, professionals can build a treatment plan based on the type of dyspraxia. The goal is to improve daily functioning and quality of life.

Types and symptoms

Depending on which movements are affected, dyspraxia can be classified as:

• Motor dyspraxia, which involves difficulty coordinating muscles to do simple tasks such as dressing, eating, walking, or writing;

• Speech dyspraxia, which involves difficulty developing language, hard-to-understand speech, and incorrect pronunciation of words;

• Postural dyspraxia, which involves difficulty maintaining proper posture and movements that are not smooth and lack rhythm.

If there are signs or symptoms of dyspraxia, it is important to consult a primary care provider. A physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist can also help confirm the diagnosis and guide the most appropriate treatment.

Possible causes

Dyspraxia does not have a single, clearly defined cause. It is believed to be related to genetic changes that can slow the development of nerve cells.

Dyspraxia can also occur after trauma or brain injury. Examples include stroke or traumatic brain injury, which are more common causes in adults.

Confirming a diagnosis

In children, the diagnosis is usually made by a pediatrician. In cases of speech dyspraxia, a speech-language pathologist may be involved. 

Diagnosis is based on careful observation of the child’s behavior. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, developmental surveillance involves listening to parents’ concerns and directly observing the child as core components. It also relies on information from parents and teachers, since there is no specific test.

For this reason, it can help for parents to write down unusual behaviors they notice. It is also important to share these observations with the child’s teachers.

In adults, diagnosis is often more straightforward. Symptoms typically appear after a brain injury and can be compared with what the person could do before.

Treatment options

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), treatment is generally supportive and may include occupational and speech therapy.

These approaches can help improve physical skills such as muscle strength and balance. They can also support emotional well-being. Over time, this can help build independence and confidence.

With treatment, it may be easier to perform daily activities. It may also improve social interactions and coping with limitations related to dyspraxia.

An individualized intervention plan is important. It should be tailored to each person’s needs. For children, it is also important to involve teachers. This helps them follow guidance from healthcare professionals and support the child consistently at school.

Exercises for home and school

Some activities may support a child’s development and help reinforce techniques practiced with healthcare professionals:

• Doing puzzles: in addition to building reasoning skills, puzzles can help improve visual and spatial awareness;

• Encouraging the child to type on a computer keyboard: this can be easier than handwriting but still requires coordination;

• Squeezing a stress ball: this can help stimulate and build muscle strength;

• Throwing a ball: this can help improve coordination and spatial awareness.

At school, teachers can support the child by encouraging oral presentations instead of written ones. It is also helpful to avoid excessive assignments and to focus on correcting mistakes one at a time, rather than pointing out every error at once.