A neurological disorder, developmental dyspraxia affects the planning and execution of motor and sensory functions. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke points out that developmental dyspraxia patients look like they are "out of sync" due to their symptoms. While both girls and boys can have developmental dyspraxia, the Neurology Channel notes that 70 percent of patients are male. The Dyspraxia Foundation adds that for most patients, the cause of developmental dyspraxia is unknown.
Symptoms
Developmental dyspraxia affects balance, causing patients to appear clumsy. Patients can have problems with language, which the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains affect their speaking, reading and writing skills. Vision and perception problems can occur. Developmental dyspraxia may also cause problems with social skills, short-term memory, behavior and emotional state. Parents may notice signs of developmental dyspraxia early in childhood. For example, the Dyspraxia Foundation points out that a preschool child with developmental dyspraxia may fall, have difficulty keeping friends, and have problems getting up and down stairs. When the child reaches school age, he may not remember or follow directions and may have problems copying from the blackboard. A school-age developmental dyspraxia patient may have poor performance in class, but improve when he works alone with the teacher.
Comorbid Conditions
Patients with developmental dyspraxia may have other disorders. For example, the Neurology Channel notes that patients may also have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Other possible comorbid disorders include dyscalculia, in which the patient has problems with mathematics, and dyslexia, in which the patient has problems with written language. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke adds that patients with developmental dyspraxia may have average to above average intelligence.
Diagnosis
A clinical or educational psychologist or an occupational therapist will do the diagnostic assessment for developmental dyspraxia. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence explains that the psychologist or therapist will check the patient's gross and fine motor skills. Examples of gross motor skills include walking, jumping and staying balanced, while writing and tracing shapes are examples of fine motor skills. The psychologist or therapist will also test the patient's intellectual ability and her developmental history.
Treatment
Treatment for developmental dyspraxia involves different therapies that focus on the symptoms. For example, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that patients may undergo speech therapy, which may involve learning alternative forms of communication, such as hand gestures. Occupational therapy is another option, which helps patients perform everyday tasks. Some developmental dyspraxia patients may benefit from special education programs.
Prognosis
Developmental dyspraxia affects patients for their whole lives. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes points out that the therapies for developmental dyspraxia can help patients overcome their disabilities. The Neurology Channel adds that some patients may have additional problems due to their condition, such as high stress, abnormal fears or obsessive behaviors.
