People affected by Dyspraxia have a low self esteem, they appear
to have behaviour problems and often overlap in other conditions, such as :Attention
Deficit Disorder- Attention Defecit Hyperactive Disorder- Tourettes Syndrome-
Aspergers Syndrome-Autism-Dyslexia and Dyscalculia (Difficulty with mathematical
skills)....
One of the most earliest signs is that the child has problems with their speech,
making them hard to understand although parents will often be able to understand
the child's point. And often think the child's language will improve as they
get older. It's best to try and get a speech and language therapist involved
as early as possible..
As you can imagine if the child cannot use their speech correctly and is not understood it can lead to frustration for the child which can result in aggression, leading to behavioural problem's i.e. Temper tantrum..
Some children will try to use single word instructions compared to two or three word sentence i.e.: The child will say show and lead you by the hand to gain what they require rather than say drink please..
It's also believed the information transmitted from the brain
to a body part seems to be not working properly (immature neurone development),
which could be caused by deprivation of oxygen at birth, or even low birth weight,
causing mixed up information to be processed confusing body parts by sending
messages simultaneously to all limbs. This results in confusing the child as
to which arm or leg to move first.
In babies it usually causes them to bottom shuffle instead of crawling..
Like most conditions found on this site the ratio of people
affected is 4 boys to 1 girl, and has also been known as , Clumsy Child Syndrome,
Minimal Brain Damage, Perceptuo-motor dysfunction and developmental co-ordination
Disorder..
Symptoms in Children from Age 3
Not all need to be present...
Very high levels of motor activity, includes foot tapping and feet swinging whilst seated.
Hand clapping, twisting unable to stay still, also hand flaps whilst running.
Messy eaters, tends to use their fingers due to having problems holding knives and forks.
Lacks any sense of danger, for example climbs and jumps from heights.
Clumsiness, bumps into objects and falls over also has trouble riding or peddling a bike.
Often prefers adult company, has trouble mixing with other children.
Lacks imaginative and creative play (does not understand rules of games).
Poor concentration often leaving jobs or work unfinished.
Poor fine motor skills (has difficulty using scissors and holding a pen or pencil).
Very easily distressed can cause temper tantrums.
Can be sensitive to sensory stimulation includes wearing new clothes and high levels of noise.
Has trouble understanding verbal instructions causing them to react slowly.
Has persistent language difficulties.
Constantly bumps into things or falling over.
Sometimes has still not established right or left- handedness.
A tendancy to avoid toys such as jigsaws or building blocks (lego)
Very excitable with a loud shrill in their voice.
Does not like to be hugged.
