Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder): What It Is, How It Shows Up in Children, and How Therapy Helps
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: November 2026
Quick Answer
Dyspraxia, or developmental coordination disorder, is a chronic condition beginning in childhood that makes motor skills and coordination difficult [1], affecting milestones, balance, writing and self-care. Roughly 6% of school-aged children are affected, more often boys [1]. Premature birth and family history raise the risk [1]. There is no cure, but occupational and physical therapy help children work around the challenges [1].
What the research says
Coordination exercises can improve hand function in children with DCD. A meta-analysis of 7 studies including 361 children with DCD found a large effect of coordination exercises on hand function compared with control interventions (SMD 1.13, 95% CI 0.31–1.95, p = 0.0066). Approaches such as haptic perception training, adapted Taekwondo, gaze training and pegboard tasks showed consistent fine motor gains, though heterogeneity was moderate to high (I² = 70.8%) and two studies contributed over 90% of the total weight (PubMed: Negi et al., Iran J Child Neurol, 2026 [2]).
Video-based exergames may help balance, but the agility evidence is less clear. In a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in children under 14, video-based exergames significantly improved balance in children with DCD compared with no exergames (SMD 0.82, 95% CI 0.53–1.11, I² = 45%), while the agility result was not significant (SMD 0.93, 95% CI −0.28 to 2.14, I² = 86%). The authors note DCD affects 5–6% of school-age children worldwide and describe exergames as a potential non-pharmacological option (PubMed: Zhao et al., PeerJ, 2026 [3]).
What Is Dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia, also known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), is a chronic condition that begins in childhood and causes difficulties with motor (movement) skills and coordination [1]. It can create a wide range of movement and coordination challenges. Some appear early in life, while others only become obvious as a child gets older.
The condition can affect gross coordination skills, which can make riding a bicycle or playing sports difficult. It can also affect fine motor skills, such as writing or fastening buttons.
In the latest edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), developmental coordination disorder is subcategorized as a motor disorder within the broader category of neurodevelopmental disorders [1]. It was previously listed as a learning disorder [1].
Dyspraxia in adults
When the term is not used in the context of childhood developmental coordination disorder, "dyspraxia" has a broader meaning. Healthcare providers may also use the term to describe movement difficulties that happen later in life because of damage to the brain, such as from a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Providers may refer to this as acquired dyspraxia [1].
Dyspraxia vs. apraxia
Healthcare providers sometimes use the terms "apraxia" and "dyspraxia" interchangeably. However, apraxia is often more severe than dyspraxia [1]. The two are different in degree:
Term | What it means |
Dyspraxia | You partially lose the ability to do something with accuracy |
Apraxia | You completely lose the ability to do something, even though you understand the command and are willing to perform the movement |
Apraxia also has several different subtypes, including:
Apraxia subtype | What it involves |
Childhood apraxia of speech | Difficulty producing speech sounds |
Limb-kinetic apraxia | The inability to make precise movements with your finger, arm, or leg |
Constructional apraxia | The inability to draw or copy simple diagrams, or to construct simple figures |
Who Does Dyspraxia Affect?
The first signs of dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder) begin in childhood during the developmental period. Because it is a chronic condition, dyspraxia can persist into adulthood as well. Dyspraxia more commonly affects men than women [1].
Your child may be more likely to have dyspraxia if:
How common is dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder) is relatively common. It affects approximately 6% of school-aged children [1].
What are the signs and symptoms of dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder) can cause a wide range of issues with coordination and motor skills. Most people with dyspraxia show signs of the condition by the time they start school, although some people have milder forms that are more difficult to detect.
Signs of dyspraxia in babies and toddlers
Delays in reaching expected developmental milestones can be an early sign of dyspraxia in babies and toddlers. For example, your child may take longer than expected to roll over, sit, crawl, or walk [1].
You may also notice that your child:
Has difficulty playing with toys that involve good coordination, such as stacking cups.
Has some difficulty learning to eat with spoons and forks.
Signs of dyspraxia in older children
Signs of dyspraxia in older children include:
Difficulty with walking up and down stairs.
Difficulty with balance — they may bump into objects, fall frequently, or seem clumsy.
Difficulty with sports and activities, such as riding a bike; jumping; and catching, throwing, or kicking a ball. They may avoid participating in activities because of their lack of coordination.
Difficulty with writing, drawing/coloring, and using scissors compared to other children their age.
Difficulty getting dressed, fastening buttons, brushing their teeth, and tying shoelaces.
Restlessness — they may swing or move their arms and legs frequently.
Your child may become frustrated when trying to perform these tasks.
Children with dyspraxia are also more likely to develop overweight or obesity [1], since they may be reluctant to exercise due to difficulties and frustration with coordination.
Skill area | What the difficulty looks like |
Gross motor skills | Stairs, balance, sports, riding a bike, catching and kicking a ball |
Fine motor skills | Writing, drawing/coloring, using scissors, fastening buttons, tying shoelaces |
Self-care routines | Getting dressed, brushing teeth, using spoons and forks |
Play and toys | Stacking cups and other coordination-heavy toys |
Behavior patterns | Restlessness, frequent arm/leg movement, avoiding activities, frustration |
Health outcomes | Higher likelihood of overweight or obesity due to avoiding exercise |
What Causes Dyspraxia?
Performing coordinated movements and motor skills is a complex process that involves many different nerves and parts of the brain. Any issue in this process could potentially lead to difficulties with movement and coordination (dyspraxia).
Researchers aren't sure of the exact cause of dyspraxia. But being born pre-term (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and having a low birth weight put children at higher risk for having dyspraxia [1].
Factor | Role |
Brain and nerve development | Coordinated movement involves many nerves and brain regions; any disruption in this process could cause dyspraxia |
Exact cause | Not yet known to researchers |
Premature birth | Born before 37 weeks raises the risk, especially before 32 weeks |
Low birth weight | Less than 4 pounds raises the risk |
Family history | A family history of DCD raises the risk |
How Is Dyspraxia Diagnosed?
Although signs of dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder) are present from an early age, they can be easy to miss, as children vary widely in their rate of development. Because of this, a definite diagnosis of DCD doesn't usually happen until a child is 5 years old or older [1].
Dyspraxia should be diagnosed by a team of professionals qualified to examine the specific criteria for the condition, which may include a pediatrician, an occupational or physical therapist, a child psychologist, and a pediatric neurologist [1].
There are no medical tests that can definitively diagnose dyspraxia [1]. Instead, the team of healthcare providers will:
Ask detailed questions about the child's medical history, development, and symptoms.
Assess the child's gross and fine motor skills, coordination, and balance.
Assess the child's mental ability to see if it is within the expected range for their age.
Healthcare providers will also need to rule out other possible causes of the child's motor difficulties, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy [1].
For a child to be diagnosed with dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder), they typically need to meet all of the following criteria:
# | Diagnostic criterion |
1 | Their motor skills are significantly below the level expected |
2 | Their lack of motor skills and coordination affects their daily activities and achievements at school |
3 | Symptoms of dyspraxia first developed during an early stage of their development |
4 | Their difficulty with motor skills isn't better explained by other medical conditions |
How Is Dyspraxia Managed and Treated?
There's no cure for dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder), but different types of therapies, such as occupational therapy and physical therapy, can help children and adults with dyspraxia improve their motor skills and coordination [1].
Because dyspraxia affects everyone differently, your child will benefit most from an individualized treatment plan to manage their physical difficulties and improve their confidence.
One of the main types of therapies providers use to help children with dyspraxia is called task-oriented intervention. It involves working with your child to identify specific tasks that cause difficulties and finding ways to overcome them [1].
For example, an occupational therapist can help your child improve difficulties with specific tasks by breaking down the movements into smaller steps. They then teach your child to use these individual movements and practice them regularly.
Your child may also benefit from adapting certain tasks to make them easier to perform. For example, adding special grips to pens and pencils can make them easier to hold [1].
Approach | What it involves |
Occupational therapy | Helps children improve motor skills and coordination; breaks movements into smaller steps; builds regular practice |
Physical therapy | Helps children and adults improve motor skills and coordination |
Task-oriented intervention | Identifies specific tasks that cause difficulties and finds ways to overcome them — one of the main therapy types used |
Task adaptation | Modifies tasks to make them easier, such as special grips on pens and pencils |
Individualized plan | Every child is affected differently; the plan manages physical difficulties and improves confidence |
What Is the Outlook for a Child With Dyspraxia?
No two children with dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder) are affected in the same way. The best way to know what to expect is to talk to healthcare providers who specialize in diagnosing and treating dyspraxia.
Other conditions that often co-occur or share symptoms with dyspraxia include:
Co-occurring condition | Note |
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) | About half of children with dyspraxia also have ADHD |
Language difficulties | Speech and language challenges may accompany dyspraxia |
Dysgraphia | Difficulty with writing |
Anxiety and depression | Mental health conditions can co-occur |
Autism spectrum disorder | Shared or overlapping symptoms may occur |
If your child has symptoms of any of these conditions, it's important to make sure they're properly diagnosed and receive treatment.
How can children with dyspraxia be supported at home and school?
One of the most important things you can do to help your child is to be an advocate for them, which involves understanding the challenges and letting your child know you're going to support them no matter what — at home, at school, and as they grow.
If your child is eligible for special education, you'll work with professionals to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that will help your child in school [1].
When should my child see their healthcare provider about dyspraxia?
Your child may need support to help them learn ways to overcome difficulties with motor skills and coordination throughout their life. If you notice that your child is having difficulties with a new movement task, such as writing or learning to drive a car, talk to their healthcare provider and/or occupational therapist.
Key Takeaways
Dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder) is a common, lifelong condition that makes movement and coordination harder — but it is also highly manageable. Children with dyspraxia may understand how to perform an action, such as throwing a ball, but are unable to accurately perform the movement, which understandably causes frustration. Care management will likely be long-term, so offer support and encouragement as your child reaches new milestones for motor skills and coordination each day. There is no cure, but occupational therapy, physical therapy, and task-oriented intervention give children real tools to overcome challenges — one small step at a time. If you notice your child struggling with movement, balance, or everyday motor tasks, talk to their healthcare provider. A proper diagnosis unlocks therapy, school support like an IEP, and a plan built around your child's unique needs.
Take the Next Step
Share this guide with your pediatrician and ask about a referral to an occupational therapist. Your advocacy is the first step toward helping your child thrive.
Related reading: cerebral palsy, ADHD, learning disabilities, premature birth
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia, also known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), is a chronic neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood and causes difficulties with motor (movement) skills and coordination, affecting tasks like riding a bike, writing, and fastening buttons. There is no cure, but occupational therapy can greatly help.
2. What is developmental coordination disorder (DCD)?
DCD is the clinical name for dyspraxia. In the DSM-5, it is subcategorized as a motor disorder within the broader category of neurodevelopmental disorders. It was previously listed as a learning disorder.
3. Is dyspraxia a form of apraxia?
No — they are related but different in severity. Dyspraxia means you partially lose the ability to do something with accuracy, while apraxia means you completely lose the ability to do something even though you understand the command and are willing to perform it.
4. How common is dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia (DCD) is relatively common, affecting approximately 6% of school-aged children. It more commonly affects men than women and can persist into adulthood.
5. What are the signs of dyspraxia in babies and toddlers?
Early signs include delays in reaching developmental milestones — taking longer to roll over, sit, crawl, or walk — plus difficulty playing with coordination-heavy toys (like stacking cups) and some difficulty learning to eat with spoons and forks.
6. What are the signs of dyspraxia in older children?
Signs include difficulty with stairs, balance (bumping into objects, falling frequently), sports (riding a bike, catching a ball), writing and scissors, dressing tasks (buttons, shoelaces, brushing teeth), restlessness, and possible avoidance of activities due to frustration.
7. What causes dyspraxia?
Researchers aren't sure of the exact cause. Coordinated movement involves many nerves and brain regions, and any issue in that process could lead to dyspraxia. Being born pre-term (before 37 weeks) and having a low birth weight raise the risk, and family history matters too.
8. How is dyspraxia diagnosed?
A definite diagnosis usually doesn't happen until a child is 5 years old or older, made by a team (pediatrician, occupational or physical therapist, child psychologist, pediatric neurologist). No medical test can definitively diagnose it; providers assess motor skills, coordination, balance, and mental ability, rule out conditions like cerebral palsy, and confirm four specific criteria.
9. Is there a cure for dyspraxia?
No. There is no cure, but occupational therapy and physical therapy — especially task-oriented intervention, which breaks movements into smaller steps — can help children and adults improve their motor skills and coordination.
10. Can dyspraxia cause other problems?
Children with dyspraxia are more likely to develop overweight or obesity because they may avoid exercise due to frustration. About half of children with dyspraxia also have ADHD, and language difficulties, dysgraphia, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder can also co-occur.
11. What can parents do to help a child with dyspraxia?
Be an advocate: understand the challenges and show your child you will support them at home and school. Work with professionals to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if eligible, and contact your healthcare provider or occupational therapist if your child struggles with a new movement task like writing or driving.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Dyspraxia. Cleveland Clinic. Aug. 9, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23963-dyspraxia-developmental-coordination-disorder-dcd
Negi P, Sharma N, Kaur S, et al. Effect of coordination exercises on hand function in patient with developmental coordination disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Iran J Child Neurol. 2026;20(3):1-11. doi:10.22037/ijcn.v20i3.46245. PMID: 42626516.
Zhao L, Wang J, Shang H, Liu P, Zhou J, Cheng Y. The effects of video-based exergames on balance and agility in children with and without developmental coordination disorder: a meta-analysis. PeerJ. 2026;14:e21664. doi:10.7717/peerj.21664. PMID: 42703362.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
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