Dyspraxia in Children
 Dyspraxia is a disorder that affects the development of motor skills. Studies have shown that it affects boys at a higher rate than girls. When suffering from dyspraxia, children may have a difficult time with their intellectual development. As of now, neurological experts have not been able to pinpoint an exact cause of dyspraxia. However, many believe there may be a genetic component involved.
Children with dyspraxia may begin to exhibit signs at a very young age. For example, if infants are hesitant to crawl or having difficulty using cups or other utensils, these may be early signs of childhood dyspraxia. Other signs to look for as a child ages include:
- Difficulty brushing teeth or hair
- Problems writing
- Hypersensitivity to certain articles of clothing
- Difficulty staying focused in the classroom
- Trouble competing in sports and other physical activities
Children with dyspraxia may develop very low self-esteem as they mature because it is often difficult for them to be accepted by their peers at school, and they can sometimes be the subject of ridicule by other children who don't understand their condition. Their self-esteem may further worsen as they develop into their teenage years, as social acceptance becomes more important and their work load becomes more challenging.
However, there are treatment options available for children with dyspraxia that may help parents and their children avoid such scenarios. For most people, the first and most important step in combating childhood dyspraxia is early detection and treatment. If you believe your child is exhibiting symptoms of dyspraxia, you may want to contact a physician. After a thorough evaluation, dyspraxia tests, and diagnosis, occupational and speech therapy may be prescribed depending on the child's individual needs.
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