Condition : Developmental co-ordination disorder and dyspraxia

Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) is a neurological condition which you’re born with and that causes problems with movement and co-ordination that often continue into adulthood.

Dyspraxia is a broader term for movement and co-ordination difficulties, including those that develop after birth because of damage to the brain.

Professionals prefer to keep the terms separate and not refer to DCD as dyspraxia.

DCD or developmental delay?

Signs of DCD are present from an early age, but because children vary widely in their rate of development, a definite diagnosis of DCD doesn’t usually happen until they’re over the age of 5.

These signs are very similar to some of those for developmental delay. For example, they may:

• have difficulty playing with toys that involve good co-ordination, such as stacking bricks
• have some difficulty learning to eat with cutlery
• take longer to start crawling and/or walking
• have difficulty producing clear speech
• struggle to dress themselves or use the toilet

• Find out more about developmental delay

In children with DCD or dyspraxia, their physical co-ordination will remain below average, but this may be less of a problem as they get older and develop coping strategies.

A child with DCD may appear awkward and clumsy, but so do many other children who actually have all the normal movement (motor) skills for their age.

Some children may continue to have problems, particularly producing written work, and need extra help from parents and teachers. They may also become less fit than other children as their poor performance in sport may result in them being reluctant to exercise.

Later in life, people with DCD or dyspraxia may have difficulty with:

• learning and performing skills, such as driving a car or meal preparation
• time management, planning, and organisational skills
• following instructions and copying information
• writing, drawing, and typing
• managing social situations or emotions
• remembering information

Low self-esteem due to these difficulties can be common in both children and adults. Children can also become frustrated, and this may lead to behaviour problems.

Doing co-ordinated movements is a complex process that involves many different nerves and parts of the brain. Any problem in this process could potentially lead to difficulties with movement and co-ordination. It can affect people of all intellectual abilities.

In children with DCD, it's not usually clear why co-ordination doesn't develop as well, but a number of risk factors have been identified, including:

• being born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy)
• being born with a low birth weight
• having a family history of DCD
• the mother drinking alcohol or taking illegal drugs while pregnant

It can appear alongside other conditions, such as dyslexia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia (difficulty learning or understanding maths), depression, and anxiety.

Dyspraxia may be caused by damage to the brain due to a head injury or neurological illness.

DCD and dyspraxia should not be confused with other disorders affecting movement, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and stroke.

Dyspraxia Foundation 

Information and support for people with dyspraxia or DCD and parents and professionals 

• Visit Dyspraxia Foundation

Dyspraxia Help 

Information, support, and training for parents and teachers of children with DCD or dyspraxia 

• Visit Dyspraxia Help

Scope UK

Advice and support for people living with a disability

• Visit Scope UK

The Brain Charity

Practical help and emotional support for people with a neurological condition 

• The Brain Charity