Dyspraxia (DCD)

Plain language

Dyspraxia, also called Developmental Coordination Disorder, affects how the brain plans and coordinates movement. It can affect handwriting, sports, driving, and daily tasks like cooking.

Scholarly

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) involves marked impairment in motor coordination that interferes with daily activities and academic achievement, not attributable to a medical condition (DSM-5-TR).

Common traits

• Clumsiness or balance issues
• Difficulty with handwriting
• Trouble with sequenced steps
• Spatial planning challenges

Strengths

• Strategic thinking
• Empathy
• Determination
• Creative problem-solving

Challenges

• Fine motor tasks
• Sports and driving
• Multi-step routines
• Fatigue from compensation

Myth

Dyspraxia is just clumsiness.

Fact

DCD involves significant motor planning differences that affect daily life and often co-occur with other neurodivergent profiles.

How it may appear in children

• Late milestones (tying shoes, riding bikes)
• Messy handwriting
• Avoidance of PE
• Difficulty with cutlery

How it may appear in adults

• Difficulty driving or parking
• Slow typing or handwriting
• Spatial disorientation
• Fatigue from extra effort

Workplace considerations

• Allow voice-to-text
• Provide ergonomic setups
• Offer written step-by-step instructions
• Avoid surprise physical tasks

Family & caregiver considerations

• Build in extra time for transitions
• Choose accessible utensils and tools
• Celebrate effort over output

Faith & community considerations

• Avoid choreographed movement requirements
• Provide accessible seating

Coping strategies

• Occupational therapy
• Voice dictation
• Routine simplification
• Mobility aids when helpful

Possible co-occurring conditions

Many neurodivergent people meet criteria for more than one profile. See the co-occurring conditions guide.