Dyspraxia In Adults vs. Dyspraxia In Children | Synergy

December 8, 2016
/ Synergy Physiotherapy /
Healthcare professionals generally use the more accurate name Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) to describe this condition.

 

So what is dyspraxia?

 

Dyspraxia affects someone’s physical co-ordination to the extent that they might appear to be behaving “clumsily” while performing everyday tasks such as walking, writing, playing ball games or doing household chores.

There is also an impact on learning processes, memory, concentration and perception so someone with dyspraxia might find it difficult to organise their thoughts and activities.

Consequently, there can be emotional and behavioural symptoms, such as finding social or teamwork situations difficult to interpret.

The symptoms vary from person to person and can change over someone’s lifetime.

There is no cure for dyspraxia but there are ways to manage the condition, which is more common in males than females.

 

What causes dyspraxia?

 

The precise cause of dyspraxia is not known but it’s thought that there is a disruption of the vital and complicated messages that are transmitted between the brain and the body in order to make co-ordinated movements.

While it is unclear exactly why this happens, there are risk factors that can make it more likely, such as being born prematurely and/or with a low birth weight, the consumption of alcohol or harmful drugs during pregnancy or a family history of dyspraxia.

 

What are the main dyspraxia symptoms in adults?

 

Dyspraxia is often spotted at a young age but some people get to adulthood without a diagnosis.

Adults with dyspraxia will commonly have physical co-ordination problems with things like self-care, writing and typing, household chores and DIY as well as activities that require balance such as riding a bike. Difficulties with learning to drive are typical.

Dyspraxia can also lead to emotional and social problems, and issues with planning and organisation, which can make it difficult to function within education or employment. These challenges can become a source of anxiety, stress or depression.

 

Dyspraxia in adults vs. dyspraxia in children

 

The expectations to function in a certain way within society - whether that be studying at university, maintaining a home and personal finances, holding down a job or driving a car - are obviously greater for an adult.

Dyspraxia can have a large impact on someone’s ability to cope with the life skills they will need to live independently.

They may also have problems reading social situations, such as non-verbal cues, or with working in a team.

 

What dyspraxia treatments are available?

 

Specialist physiotherapists can assess motor skills (the ability to take precise physical actions) as well as sensory and perceptual abilities, before constructing a therapy plan.

 Occupational therapy can help people with dyspraxia to find practical solutions that enable them to work around the condition and manage routine tasks more easily.

Other dyspraxia therapy treatments - such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or counselling - involve talking to a professional about the problems being experienced.

CBT aims to find ways to change behaviour and thinking processes so that difficult jobs can be tackled more effectively.

Speech therapists can assist with speech, language or communication skills.

Whatever an individual’s situation, it’s vital to seek help from professionals with extensive experience of treating dyspraxia.

 

Free online consultation

 

At Synergy Physiotherapy in Woking and Egham in Surrey, we’ve helped hundreds of people of all ages with dyspraxia.

Now we’re offering you a free online consultation with one of our specialists.

They can discuss your experiences with dyspraxia and advise on how we could help to make living with the condition a little easier.

To book your free online consultation, please follow the link below:

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