Children may be at a higher risk of DCD if: 
- they are born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy)
- They were born with low birth weight (less than 4 pounds)
- There is a family history of developmental coordination disorder

This condition affects about 6% of children.

Appalachian State University

Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which children experience poor motor coordination and have difficulty learning motor skills. Movements may be slow or inaccurate in these patients.

Dyspraxia can also manifest in adults, mainly due to brain damage. This is often referred to as acquired dyspraxia.

Dyspraxia

Cleveland Clinic Staff. (2022, August 9). Dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder: DCD). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved January 15, 2026, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23963-dyspraxia-developmental-coordination-disorder-dcd

Risk Factors for Dyspraxia

Developmental coordination disorder presents differently in babies, older children, and adults. 

In babies and toddlers, there are experienced delays in the development of behaviors such as rolling over, sitting, crawling, or walking. The child may also have a hard time playing in ways that require good coordination.

In older children, signs may be difficulties in balance, sports, writing, fastening buttons on clothing, brushing teeth, or they may experience restlessness. These children are also more likely to be overweight due to difficulties in exercise.

Symptoms of Dyspraxia

While there is no cure for dyspraxia, various therapies can help improve motor coordination skills. Occupational and physical therapies are commonly utilized. A primary approach is task-oriented intervention, which involves collaborating with the child to identify challenging tasks and strategizing to overcome them. By breaking tasks down into smaller steps, the child learns and practices individual movements to enhance their overall motor function.

Treatments of Dyspraxia

Conditions that may coincide with dyspraxia or share symptoms are:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- language difficulties
- anxiety or depression
- autism spectrum disorder
- dysgraphia

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