Neurodiversity- what is Dyspraxia/DCD? Why be aware?

More than 30 years ago my son was diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder ( also known in the UK as Dyspraxia) and it is also the 30th anniversary this year of the Dyspraxia Foundation. I was a GP at the time of his diagnosis and very little had been written about it. It started a change in career in finding out what was DCD. At the time I was told 'he would grow out of it'.

Teachers at the time knew very little and sadly often equated coordination difficulties with lack of intelligence, which is and was far from the truth. I had to explain again and again what DCD was, and this lead to a complete change in career.

With 3 close members of my family with DCD it still remains close to my heart today.

October is Dyspraxia awareness week along with other awareness weeks/days/month for ADHD/Dyslexia and Neurodiversity.

Do we still need to have these awareness weeks?

The very short answer is yes and the longer answer probably is we shouldn't need to as understanding about neurodiversity is ensuring inclusion is for every day.

What is Developmental Coordination Disorder?

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as Dyspraxia in the UK, is a common condition affecting fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults.

It is formally recognised by international organisations including the World Health Organisation. DCD is distinct from other motor disorders such as cerebral palsy and stroke.

The range of intellectual ability is in line with the general population. Individuals may vary in how their challenges present; these may change over time depending on environmental demands and life experience, and will persist into adulthood.

An individual’s coordination difficulties may affect participation and functioning of everyday life skills in education, work and employment.

Children may present with difficulties with self-care, writing, typing, riding a bike, play as well as other educational and recreational activities. In adulthood many of these challenges will continue, as well as learning new skills at home, in education and work, such as driving a car and DIY.?

Strengths associated with DCD include often a sense humour, hard working, creativity, empathy, good long term working memory.

There may be a range of co-occurring challenges which can also have serious negative impacts on daily life. These include social emotional difficulties as well as problems with time management, planning and organisation and these may impact an adult’s education or employment experiences.

1 million adults and 3-5% of children in every school have DCD.

DCD also often overlaps with Dyslexia, ADHD, Dyscalculia and Autism Spectrum Conditions.

Looking back over 30 years

I have been looking back to when I did start campaigning....( yes I am older now!) What remains as important today is providing accessible and practical information for all those who need this. Ensuring parents, young people and adults alongside the professionals have help to navigate through all stages of life from early years, school, home, and into the workplace.

This was in 1998

This pic was taken from the BBC when I did a hour long programme on 'Living with Dyspraxia' in 1998 also.

It takes a long time to raise awareness !

Over the past 30 years I have written many books about the subject and these have been translated into different languages and endless articles and been on TV/radio. Awareness weeks and days are useful only if the awareness isn't something we take out of the cupboard for the day and dust it off only to then think we have 'done it' for that year.

I feel very lucky I have gained an in-depth understanding of DCD and also feel I have a duty to help others and spread this information.

As I look back I know I am older and it bit more wrinkly 30 years on but I am no less championing the cause today and recognize (sadly) we will still need to do so for some time.

However action cannot be one day or one week of the year as inclusion is about having processes in place that mean every neurodivergent adult or child has their needs met.

Free resources

Podcast and transcript about DCD for ACAMH delivered by myself

International Guidelines for DCD (2019) - these were produced with people from across the globe.

This is a free training programme for health care professionals about diagnosing and supporting children with DCD.

https://machealth.ca/programs/developmental_coordination_disorder/?

This is a podcast recently about DCD with different adults being interviewed alongside myself.

www.movementmattersuk.org - is an informal umbrella group in the UK for DCD as well.

Dyspraxia Foundation does some wonderful work- please support them.