Vale Dyspraxia Support Group

It is an informal group and anyone is welcome to attend out monthly meetings to find out more. You can also phone or Email for advice or support.

What is dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia is a condition where the normal process of development of physical actions that require co-ordination is delayed or disturbed, which is why it is also called Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD). It has also been called “Clumsy Child Syndrome”. It occurs in up to 1 in 10 of children and is more prevalent in boys than in girls.

It is often referred to as a hidden disability because there is no outward sign of the condition but it is a real disability because it can affect a child’s life, their confidence and learning quite substantially. Typically a child with dyspraxia has difficulty with their gross motor skills (throwing, catching, running) and fine motor skills (in particular handwriting). This can, for example, mean that the child finds getting dressed or copying from the board in the classroom very difficult. Ability to take part in normal school and social life can be severely restricted and often leads to isolation, bullying, and irrational behaviour.

Dyspraxia is part of a group of conditions that includes dyslexia and ADHD and many children have symptoms of one or more of the other conditions.