What is Dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia, also known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), is a neurological disorder that effects an individual’s ability to plan and process motor tasks. Dyspraxia can cause a wide range of issues with movement and coordination, with some of these being noticeable at an early age, while others may only become noticeable as the child grows older. Dyspraxia can affect the child’s coordination skills, which can make tasks like riding a bicycle or playing sports difficult. Furthermore, dyspraxia can also affect a child’s fine motor skills, such as writing or fastening shoelaces.
Prevalence of Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia’s prevalence ranges between 1.8% and 6% among children and is 7 times more common in boys than girls. Dyspraxia has increased prevalence among lefthanded or ambidextrous children. Dyspraxia is likely to co-occur with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 30% to 50% of cases reported, indicating a common neural substrate underlying attention and motor disorders. This co-occurrence may have both etiologic and diagnostic implications.
Causes and risk factors of Dyspraxia
The causes of dyspraxia are not well understood and research studies are continuously being conducted in an attempt to gain more insight on this condition. Currently research suggests that dyspraxia may occur due to problems with the way connections develop between the nerves in the brain. Research studies have also found that there is a strong genetic link as children with dyspraxia tend to have a parent with dyspraxia. It’s also linked to complications during pregnancy and birth. Premature babies, particularly those of very low birth weight, seem to be at greater risk of dyspraxia. Exposure to high levels of alcohol, or to illegal drugs during pregnancy, can cause dyspraxia.
Symptoms of Dyspraxia
Symptoms of dyspraxia usually start appearing early in life. Babies with dyspraxia can be overly irritable and have problems with feeding. In toddlerhood, the child may go on to develop problems with normal feeding and display other developmental delays, including difficulty with potty training, reluctancy to play with puzzles or toys that require construction, and struggling with hand – eye coordination related activities.
Children with dyspraxia tend to avoid physical activity due to embarrassment, and this may lead to a lack of muscle development. Weak muscle tone can result in difficulty in participating in sports and in some instances even standing for an extended length of time. Children with dyspraxia frequently have speech and writing delays, can be forgetful and often misplace things, and have trouble picking up on nonverbal social cues.
Problems with motor coordination, memory, perception, speech and language skills, following directions, and poor emotional control usually persist into adulthood, causing difficulties with planning, organization, concertration and accuracy. This may lead to erratic or impulsive behaviour, a tendency to avoid new or unpredictable or situation that require teamwork. These ongoing problems can result in the development of a variety of emotional and behavioural problems, including anxiety, depression and stress related disorders, low self-esteem, fears and phobias, and addictions.
Effects of physical activity on Dyspraxia
Early identification and intervention for children with Dyspraxia whose motor skill development has been delayed when compared to their peers is essential to prevent gaps in the physical and mental development. Developing opportunities for physical activity into early years routines and activities is essential.
Exposure to physical activities at a young age encourages fun and participation, and promotes mental health and physical fitness. Many activities are beneficial for younger children with Dyspraxia as they improve body awareness, flexibility, balance, strength, and endurance. While many of these activities can and should be encouraged for the young child living with Dyspraxia, these same activities can become frustrating as the child grows older. As the child grows the exercise prescription of these activities should require the child to master skills that are increasingly difficult due to greater balance requirements, the learning of specific skills related to their mental maturity or routines.
The coordination difficulties of children with Dyspraxia makes them more likely to fall, bruise or fracture and extra thought needs to be given when selecting physical activities suitable to them. Cycling is an important lifestyle sport to promote and can be done in an indoor setting, whereas cycking outdoor adds an element of environmental uncertainty that may be hazardous. Running on a track is a good aerobic activity, though caution should be taken with cross-country running due to the uneven terrain posing an increased risk. Many children with Dyspraxia are not particularly agile when balls are thrown or other children are running towards their direction so injuries in sports such as cricket, basketball, rugby, soccer, tennis, netball, and hockey. Swimming, water aerobics and hydrotherapy on the other hand do not pose as much risk for injury though supervision must be there at all times to avoid the risk of drowning.
Role of the Biokineticist on Dyspraxia
Biokineticists work with children with Dyspraxia to improve muscle strength, coordination, and balance. Biokineticists help them develop skills to improve their daily activities and quality of life. Biokineticists can help those with Dyspraxia to help prevent added complications such as:
A Biokineticist will develop an exercise plan which looks to improve the following:
