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What are Dyspraxia Symptoms?

By Haven Esme
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 13,087
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A person who suffers from dyspraxia may find that the disease affects numerous areas of their life. Dyspraxia symptoms can affect a person emotionally, physically, intellectually, and socially, and even impair a person's normal learning process. Doctors do not know what causes the condition, but there are theories. Some researchers believe that an immaturity of neuron development in the brain could be the cause of dyspraxia symptoms.

Dyspraxia is hereditary, and the disease often starts in childhood. An individual could be unaware he or she has the disease, however, because many children with the disease do not have any symptoms. Dyspraxia is common in both adults and children and the disease primarily affects males. Eighty percent of the individuals diagnosed with this condition are male. Worldwide, the condition affects up to 10% of the population.

A person who suffers from dyspraxia may experience various symptoms. Children with the condition may be late in reaching certain milestones. For example, they may have difficulty with math, language development, writing, or even have physical difficulties as a toddler.

Young children with dyspraxia symptoms may take longer to roll over, crawl, stand, walk, speak, and toilet train. As they grow older, motor skills may take longer to develop and impair the child’s ability to play catch, hop, jump, or kick a ball. Dyspraxia symptoms interfere with a person's social and sensory development.

An individual who suffers from dyspraxia may also be sensitive to light, touch, noise, and taste. People with the condition are also more likely to feel stressed, anxious, or depressed. This can make it extremely difficult for the person to maintain healthy relationships and adapt to new situations.

Another common symptom of dyspraxia is difficulty in organizing thoughts. People with the condition may have a poor sense of direction or time. Many suffer from poor short-term memory and are easily distracted. It can be very difficult for an adult with dyspraxia to complete tasks and chores. The symptoms of the disease are remarkably similar to ADHD and could easily be confused.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for dyspraxia. There are several ways that a person can cope with the disorder and get around the difficulties associated with dyspraxia. In childhood, occupational therapists, language therapists, and specialist teachers can all help a person with dyspraxia reach his or her full potential. Once a person becomes an adult, exercises and support groups can help him or her learn how to perform activities and daily activities that are difficult due to the condition.

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Discussion Comments
By anon258707 — On Apr 03, 2012

I am so sure I have dyspraxia. I am now an adult but it seems to fit nearly all the problems I had at school and home growing up. Unfortunately, I was constantly teased and shouted at by my parents for spilling things, bumping into things and dropping things.

At school it was not much better since writing by hand was very difficult, very slow and untidy. Fortunately it was piano that helped me, enough to be able to keep up in class (even though my handwriting is still pretty awful!) This was back in the 80's, but I did go on to get a degree in maths.

However, I can understand some of the frustrations as I have a child who also has the condition and it can be difficult to remain calm sometimes when there's food and drink going everywhere!

Never give up on the dyspraxic child! They may have difficulties getting their ideas on paper but I know of many very intelligent dyspraxics!

But they do need understanding and patience - it's frustrating enough living in a body that won't do what you want it to without everyone else shouting at you every time you get it wrong!

By fify — On Jan 06, 2012

@ysmina-- All of the symptoms mentioned here I have seen with my daughter as well. Especially your description is right on. We have been assuming that she had dyspraxia for a while but we had her assessed by a professional last week and are waiting for the results.

My daughter also has a problem with bed wetting. Interestingly though, it never happens at night, only during the day.

Has anyone else seen this with their son or daughter? Is this one of dyspraxia symptoms in children as well?

By ysmina — On Jan 06, 2012

One of my friends has a ten year old daughter with dyspraxia. I met her once when I went over to her house. She is a really sweet and considerate girl. For example, she was very interested in talking to me and was very soft spoken when I arrived. She actually spoke so much, basically nonstop and was really hyper too. In the next couple of hours though, I saw her become more and more frustrated and even aggressive at times.

She would ask me a question, I would answer her and she would ask me the same question again and again. I felt that she knew she had asked me the question before and knew that I gave an answer as well but couldn't seem to remember what that was. She seemed to be very frustrated and angry with herself.

By SteamLouis — On Jan 05, 2012

I saw a film about dyspraxia. I never knew what this was before I watched this film. It showed a primary school age child who had dyspraxia. He couldn't do most of the things children his age could do. He couldn't tie his shoes for example, had the worst hand writing that couldn't be read, he couldn't pay attention for very long and he was very clumsy.

It was so difficult for him at school because he was isolated by his peers and made fun of all the time. Even the teachers would yell at him for not understanding what was taught and for not being able to answer questions. It was the same situation at home, he was constantly scolded by his parents for not doing well at school, for still not being able to eat his food properly and so forth.

None of these people knew that the boy had dyspraxia or what the disease was. Everyone just thought of him as slow until he met a teacher who knew of the condition and could identify it. The amazing part was that teacher realized the boy's artistic abilities and supported him. He could paint well beyond any child his age and even won an award for one of his paintings.

It was a beautiful film and I learned so much about dyspraxia signs and symptoms through it.

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