Dyspraxia, also called developmental dyspraxia, impairs a person's ability to integrate sensory information with her motor skills. As a result, the patient has problems with coordination, but the disorder also affects her cognitive skills and emotions. The symptoms start while the patient is a child, and they continue throughout her life. The National Center for Learning Disabilities states that about 6 percent of children have dyspraxia, and 70 percent of these patients are male.
Balance Symptoms
A patient with dyspraxia has problems with coordination and balance, causing him to appear clumsy, according to the Learning Disabilities Association of America. For example, he may stumble while he is walking. He may also bump into objects, such as a table, when walking. The patient also has poor hand-eye coordination, and problems with motor planning and coordinating both sides of his body. For example, the patient has problems catching a ball, which requires planning and motor abilities. The National Center for Learning Disabilities adds that during infancy, the patient may avoid crawling; as he ages, he continues to have problems with walking and direction.
Cognitive Symptoms
Dyspraxia affects many of the patient's cognitive abilities, such as short-term memory, speaking, reading and writing, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). For example, the patient may have a delay in language, which affects her speaking and reading later in life. The language problems affect the patient's performance in school. The motor difficulties also affect the patient's handwriting abilities, according to the National Center for Learning Disabilities. For example, she may have problems holding the pencil correctly when writing. The patient may also have issues with speech volume or pitch.
Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms
Dyspraxia may cause emotional and behavioral issues in the patient. For example, dyspraxia patients have poor social skills, according to the NINDS. The patient may have a sensitivity to touch, such as to the type of fabrics in his clothing. Loud noises may also distress the patient. The National Center for Learning Disabilities adds that the patient may suffer from low self-esteem or depression.
Other Symptoms
Other possible symptoms of dyspraxia are difficulties with perception and vision. The National Center for Learning Disabilities notes that these symptoms, combined with the motor problems, affect the patient's ability to drive, cook and take care of personal hygiene. The patient may also have problems taking care of daily chores.
