Every October, the spotlight is on Dyspraxia with Dyspraxia Awareness Month which aims to increase understanding, break down stigma, and advocate for those navigating life with dyspraxia, which is also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Physiotherapists are in a unique position to support individuals with dyspraxia in building movement skills, confidence and independence.
What Is Dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia is a neurological disorder that impacts the brain’s ability to plan and coordinate physical movement. It is not related to muscle strength or intelligence, but it can impact a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks, ranging from skills like running to fine motor skills like writing.
Dyspraxia is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Children may be labelled as lazy or uncoordinated, and adults may develop anxiety, low self-esteem, or avoid physical activity altogether due to past frustrations.
Although dyspraxia can affect people of all ages, it is most identified in childhood, symptoms can vary but can include:
- Clumsiness or frequent tripping
- Difficulty with balance and coordination
- Delays in reaching motor milestones (e.g., crawling, walking)
- Struggles with tasks like handwriting, tying shoelaces, or using scissors
- Fatigue with physical activity
- Challenges in sports or physical education
- Struggling to learn new skills
- Struggling to deal with emotions
- Poor time management
In adults, dyspraxia may show up as difficulties with time management, planning movement sequences (e.g., driving, cooking) or maintaining posture during sedentary work.
It is not yet known what causes dyspraxia, but you can be more at risk if born prematurely and often occurs more in men as well as running in families.
Why Dyspraxia Awareness Matters
Dyspraxia is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Children may be labelled as lazy or uncoordinated, and adults may develop anxiety, low self-esteem, or avoid physical
activity altogether due to past frustrations. Awareness leads to earlier recognition, access to interventions, and compassion in schools, workplaces, and communities.
Dyspraxia Awareness Month reminds us that with the right support, individuals with dyspraxia can thrive.
How Physio can help with Dyspraxia
There is no cure for dyspraxia, but physiotherapists play a key role in managing dyspraxia by creating personalised interventions that focus on building motor coordination, balance, strength, and functional movement patterns. Therapy is always tailored to age, lifestyle, and goals.
Some ways physiotherapy can help include:
- Improving posture and core stability
- Developing balance and gait coordination
- Enhancing motor planning and sequencing
- Promoting participation in physical activity and sports
- Building confidence through achievable goals
Other therapies to help are occupational therapy to keep independent and manage everyday tasks. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help manage problems by changing the way you think or behave.
Celebrating Strengths Not Symptoms
People with dyspraxia often develop remarkable problem-solving skills, creativity, and emotional resilience. While therapy can reduce barriers, awareness helps society recognize and appreciate the diverse strengths that come with neurodiversity.
This Dyspraxia Awareness Month, we encourage everyone from families, teachers, employers, and healthcare professionals to learn more, listen more, and advocate for inclusive environments.
Next steps
Dyspraxia may present daily challenges, but with the right understanding, support, and interventions, individuals can lead confident, active, and fulfilling lives. Raising awareness is the first step toward creating a more inclusive world, one that recognises the unique strengths and needs of those with dyspraxia. If you or a loved one is displaying symptoms, our physiotherapists can help (no matter what age) with coordination, balance helping to improve independence and quality of life through tailored movement strategies.
Please get in touch and we would be happy to advise.
