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Children

Dyspraxia / DCD

Building movement confidence and motor skills

About Dyspraxia / DCD

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), commonly known as dyspraxia, is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting motor coordination. It is one of the most common childhood developmental disorders, affecting approximately 5–6% of school-aged children in the UK, with boys diagnosed more often than girls (Dyspraxia Foundation UK). DCD is not caused by low intelligence or lack of effort — children with DCD are often bright and motivated but find physical tasks disproportionately challenging. NICE guideline NG93 recommends task-oriented approaches and physiotherapy as key components of management. With the right support, children with DCD can make significant progress and build lasting confidence.

DCD occurs across the full ability range and is frequently associated with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and anxiety. It is usually identified in primary school years when coordination difficulties become more apparent. Difficulties commonly persist into adulthood without targeted intervention.

Information sourced from: Dyspraxia Foundation UK, NICE Guideline NG93, NHS

Signs & Symptoms

  • Difficulty learning and performing everyday motor tasks — dressing, using cutlery, writing
  • Poor balance — difficulty riding a bike, skipping, hopping, or using playground equipment
  • Clumsy or uncoordinated movement — frequent trips, falls, and bumping into things
  • Difficulty with ball skills — catching, throwing, and kicking
  • Slow or effortful handwriting with poor letter formation
  • Problems with organising physical tasks and planning sequences of movements
  • Difficulty with PE and competitive sports leading to avoidance
  • Poor spatial awareness and judging distances
  • Secondary difficulties with self-esteem, anxiety, and social participation

How Physiotherapy Helps

  • Task-oriented physiotherapy using evidence-based approaches (CO-OP, MABC-2)
  • Balance and core stability training
  • Motor planning and sequencing exercises
  • Fine and gross motor skills development
  • Bike riding, ball skills, and sport-specific training
  • Sensory integration strategies
  • School-based programmes and advice for teachers on physical activity participation
  • Advice on adaptive equipment and strategies for daily tasks
  • Building physical confidence and resilience

What to Expect from Physio4Kids

1

A standardised assessment using tools such as the MABC-2

2

Goal setting with the child and family, focused on activities that matter to them

3

A home and school exercise programme to practise between sessions

4

A positive, achievable approach that builds motivation and success

5

Advice for school on inclusive physical education and classroom support

6

Written reports for EHCP, CAMHS, paediatricians, or educational psychologists

Ready to discuss Dyspraxia / DCD support?

Our specialist physiotherapy team has extensive experience supporting children and young adults with dyspraxia / dcd. Contact us today for a free initial conversation.