Diagnosis of dyspraxia can take some time, and the earlier the condition is diagnosed, the better for the child. A child with dyspraxia may have varied symptoms throughout their childhood, and these may continue to change through adulthood.
Signs and symptoms of dyspraxia (in childhood and beyond) may include:
• Delays in learning to roll over or sit up
• Delays in learning to walk
• Falling over or bumping into things (more than is usual for a child that age)
• Difficulties learning to use the toilet
• Lack of coordination
• Difficulties grasping objects
• Difficulties with physical activities e.g. running, catching a ball, etc
• Difficulties learning to write
• Problems with getting dressed, doing up buttons and tying shoelaces
• Unable to stay still e.g. fidgety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty following instructions
• Finding school challenging but learning more successfully in smaller groups or with private tuition
• Lack of organisation skills
• Finding it hard to learn new things
• Having low self-esteem
• Finding it hard to make friends
• Difficulty pronouncing words
• Having a lack of short term memory
Such a long list of dyspraxia symptoms can sound negative, but there are lots of positive aspects of having the condition as well. For example, people with dyspraxia may be good at creative thinking, and have a good long term memory. Despite some of the challenges listed above, there are lots of ways for a child or an adult with dyspraxia to adapt to and manage their condition.
For more information about dyspraxia symptoms, visit the Dyspraxia Foundation website.