Dyspraxia Information

Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia is a disorder affecting the development of motor skills. This often, but not always, co-exists with other learning disabilities. Individuals with dyspraxia may struggle with single-step and multi-step tasks, as well as coordinating speech muscles and establishing spatial relationships.

Noticeable Behaviors:

• Poor balance
• Poor hand-eye coordination
• Often bumps into things, stumbles, falls
• Difficulty with manipulative skills
• Unclear speech and/or repetition
• Difficulty with visual tracking
• Struggles with organizing/sequencing
• Easily distracted
• Struggles to understand non-verbal communication
• Poor sense of direction

Accommodation Strategies:

• Ask for clear, precise directions
• Finish one task before starting another
• Break projects into manageable tasks
• Use visual aids (charts/graphs/diagrams)
• Use calendars, post-it notes, lists, color-coordinating to keep organized
• Try to keep a daily routine
• Prioritize tasks
• Ask to get deadlines/due dates far in advance
• Take regular breaks
• Use tape recorders
• Implement grammar/spell check
• Speech Recognition software

Helpful Resources:

• The Dyspraxia Foundation                   
• The Dyspraxia Support Group of N.Z.