Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) are conditions that affect a person’s ability to learn in one or more areas, despite otherwise normal intelligence. These difficulties are diverse and can manifest in various ways, impacting academic skills, daily life activities, and overall well-being. Among the range of specific learning difficulties, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as Dyspraxia, stands out as a condition primarily affecting motor skills and coordination.
Dyspraxia, derived from the term meaning ‘difficulty in carrying out an action’, is medically defined as a challenge in planning and executing movements. This definition, while central to understanding dyspraxia, is often broadened within the educational context to encompass difficulties with spatial and perceptual skills, and sometimes even social skills. This expanded view acknowledges the wider impact dyspraxia can have on an individual’s learning and development.
The SpLD Test Evaluation Committee (STEC) DfES Guidelines in 2012 offers a comprehensive definition of Developmental Co-ordination Disorder/Dyspraxia, emphasizing its recognition by international organizations like the World Health Organisation as a lifelong condition. DCD is characterized by difficulties in fine and gross motor coordination in both children and adults, distinct from other motor disorders like Cerebral Palsy or stroke, and present across all intellectual abilities. The manifestation of these difficulties is unique to each individual and can evolve throughout life depending on environmental factors and personal experiences.
The impact of DCD extends to various aspects of daily living. Children with dyspraxia may face challenges in self-care tasks, handwriting, typing, learning to ride a bike, and engaging in play and educational activities. These challenges often persist into adulthood, affecting the acquisition of new skills at home, in education, and at work, such as driving and DIY tasks. Furthermore, individuals with dyspraxia may experience co-occurring difficulties, including social and emotional challenges, as well as difficulties with time management, planning, and personal organization, which can significantly affect their educational and employment experiences.
For further in-depth information and support, The Dyspraxia Foundation website (https://www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/) serves as a valuable resource, offering guidance and advice for individuals, families, and professionals seeking to understand and address dyspraxia as a specific learning difficulty.
