Why Your Child Might Be Struggling with Motor Skills: Could It Be Dyspraxia?

Why Your Child Might Be Struggling with Motor Skills: Could It Be Dyspraxia?

Every child develops at their own pace, but if your child consistently struggles with everyday physical tasks — like catching a ball, holding a pencil, or tying their shoelaces — it may be more than just a developmental delay. These signs could point to a lesser-known condition called dyspraxia.

Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a neurological condition that affects movement and coordination. It often goes unrecognised or misunderstood, leading to frustration for both children and parents. Understanding the early signs of dyspraxia can help you support your child more effectively.

What Is Dyspraxia?

A Motor Planning and Coordination Disorder

Dyspraxia affects how the brain sends messages to the body, making it difficult to plan and perform movements. Children with dyspraxia may appear clumsy or uncoordinated and can find it hard to master basic motor tasks that their peers seem to pick up easily.

Unlike physical disabilities, dyspraxia is a hidden condition. It doesn’t affect a child’s intelligence but can significantly impact their ability to complete everyday tasks independently and confidently.

How Dyspraxia Affects Motor Skills

Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills involve small, precise movements — such as using cutlery, doing up buttons, writing, or drawing. Children with dyspraxia may:

• Struggle to hold a pencil or scissors correctly
• Avoid crafts or handwriting activities
• Take longer to complete classroom tasks
• Produce messy or hard-to-read work

These difficulties often lead to frustration and avoidance, especially in school settings.

Gross Motor Skills

Gross motor skills include bigger movements like jumping, running, climbing, or balancing. Children with dyspraxia may:

• Trip or fall more frequently than other children
• Avoid sports or team games
• Have poor posture or tire quickly during physical activities
• Appear uncoordinated or awkward in movement

Other Signs That Might Suggest Dyspraxia

Struggles With Everyday Routines

Beyond physical activity, dyspraxia can affect how a child approaches day-to-day tasks. Signs include:

• Difficulty dressing, especially with zippers, shoelaces, or buttons
• Trouble with organising school bags or following multi-step instructions
• Taking longer than peers to complete morning or bedtime routines

Emotional and Social Impact

Children with dyspraxia may also:

• Become frustrated when they can’t keep up with peers
• Avoid activities that highlight their difficulties
• Show signs of anxiety or low confidence
• Withdraw socially or have difficulty making friends

Because many of these behaviours are misinterpreted as laziness or defiance, dyspraxia often remains undiagnosed until later childhood.

When to Seek Professional Help

Trust Your Instincts as a Parent

If you’ve noticed that your child consistently struggles with motor skills compared to other children their age, it’s worth exploring further. Early identification can make a big difference in your child’s development and confidence.

Consult with a Health Professional

A good first step is speaking to your GP or paediatrician. They may refer your child to an occupational therapist or physiotherapist for a formal assessment. A diagnosis of dyspraxia is usually made through a combination of observations, standardised tests, and developmental history.

What Happens After a Dyspraxia Diagnosis?

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists work with children to improve their ability to perform daily tasks. Therapy is often play-based and fun, helping your child:

• Strengthen motor skills
• Improve hand-eye coordination
• Build independence in daily routines
• Develop strategies to manage frustration

Home and School Strategies

Working closely with therapists and teachers can ensure your child receives consistent support. This might include:

• Breaking tasks into small, manageable steps
• Using visual schedules or reminders
• Allowing extra time for tasks
• Practising movement skills through engaging games

Early support leads to better outcomes, both academically and socially.

How to Support Your Child at Home

Celebrate Effort, Not Just Success

Children with dyspraxia may already feel they’re not “good enough.” Celebrate their effort and progress, no matter how small.

Encourage Practice Through Play

Use activities like Lego, drawing, cooking, or obstacle courses to build coordination in a low-pressure environment.

Be Patient and Positive

Building motor skills takes time. Your encouragement and patience will make a world of difference to your child’s confidence and motivation.

If your child is having persistent difficulties with movement, coordination, or daily routines, it’s worth considering whether dyspraxia could be the reason.

Understanding the signs and seeking professional support early on can empower your child to overcome challenges and build lifelong skills.