Clumsy child syndrome

Dyspraxia or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects coordination in children. Up until recent years, the disorder wasn’t well known, but awareness is rising and giving parents and their children the answers and help they have been desperately seeking, writes Yvonne Evans

Dyspraxia is a lifelong neurological condition that is more common in males than in females, with a ratio of approximately four males to every female. The exact proportion of people with the disorder is unknown since the disorder can be difficult to detect due to a lack of specific laboratory tests. Some estimates show that 1 in 30 children have dyspraxia. The disorder has also been linked with conditions such as ADHD.

There are currently 260 members of the DCD Association in Cork. It is likely, however, that far more people in Cork suffer from what is commonly known as clumsy child syndrome. The Association was formed in 2002 in response to the needs of parents whose children were attending the DCD Unit in St Finbarr's Hospital in Cork. This hospital unit is the only unit of its type in the Republic. Within the unit there is a doctor, an occupational therapist, a psychologist and a medical secretary. It also has services provided by a physiotherapist, speech and language therapist and an orthoptist.

Only families living in the south and north Lee catchment area of the Cork branch of the HSE can avail of these services.

Dr Pat Henn treats patients with DCD in St Finbarr’s Hospital. In his publication, ‘Tips For Teenagers and Teachers: Development Coordination Disorder,’ he says children with the disorder frequently bump into and trip over things. Children may have a clumsy posture and poor muscle tone. They find it difficult to judge heights and distances, making them appear to be clumsy. They may also find it hard to catch, throw and balance as well as moving different parts of the body without looking. Sport and dancing can cause acute problems. These are just some of the problems that people suffering from dyspraxia face.

Other signs of the disorder include bad handwriting. Children with DCD may use a lot of space while writing and may use an awkward angle. Speech problems may also be a symptom of DCD.

There is no cure for dyspraxia.  However, early identification and intervention can greatly help. Depending upon the severity of the disability, work with occupational, speech and physical therapists can improve a person's ability to function and succeed independently. It can be very frustrating to have trouble communicating or moving. Beginning at an early age, it is vital that parents offer patience, encouragement, help, and support. All people with dyspraxia need help practicing simple tasks. They can benefit from step-by-step progress into more complex activities. Start with easy physical activities that develop coordination. This can increase confidence.

Any parent who suspects their child may have dyspraxia should see their GP or a special needs coordinator first. When carrying out an assessment, details will be required regarding the child's developmental history, intellectual ability, and gross and fine motor skills.

Although the disorder is a lifelong condition, there is no reason a child can’t pursue their goals or dreams.

Florence Welch, lead singer of Florence and the Machine has openly spoken about growing up with dyspraxia. On a recent trip to Dublin, she visited the Dyspraxia Association of Ireland and met eight children and teenagers who like her, have been diagnosed with the disorder. Other celebrities with dyspraxia include actor Daniel Radcliffe and entrepreneur, Richard Branson.

For more information about dyspraxia www.dyspraxia.ie or www.dyspraxiadcdcork.ie.