DD's teacher has mentioned dyspraxia. Does it sound like it could be?

[ironrooster]

DD5 is extremely clumsy. She is constantly tripping over her own feet, banging into things and people and having almost daily accidents of some kind at school.

Her teacher (who I believe is also the school SENCO) today said she didn't want to worry me, but had I heard of dyspraxia. She said she would make her new year 1 teacher aware so they can keep an eye on it.

I've been reading up and there are a few things which are ringing bells. I'm sorry, this is a long list!

So in addition to the clumsiness I'm wondering whether there's a joint hypermobility issue. She can do some weird things with her thumbs and she toe walked for years although I don't see much of that anymore.

She's not great using cutlery or dressing but as she's my first I'm not sure where she should be with that.

She met her physical milestones as a baby but was a late talker and had SALT when she was 2. She caught up and is quite articulate now.

She toilet trained late (3 - 4, was still having daily accidents at 4) and still isn't dry at night.

We have quite challenging behaviour at home. Very defiant and lots of tantrums. She hates having her hair brushed or washed, cleaning her teeth, eating, doing anything she's asked really.

She's an outgoing child but quite cautious in new physical situations like soft play or playgrounds. She won't climb without help or sit on swings and her favourite phrase is "oh I'm not sure about this".

Her handwriting is often messy but I've put that down to her writing too quickly as she can write neatly if she really tries. Her drawing is good I think. She has a really good visual memory.

So...does this sound like it could be dyspraxia? If so, what should my next steps be?

[ironrooster]

Hopeful bump

[SideOrderofChip]

I woud say a bit young yet to diagnose but i coud be very wrong. dd1 is 9 and just undergoing assessment for dyspraxia herself

[SideOrderofChip]

how old is your dd? as you talk about going into year one. which would make her 5 at the oldest where alot of these issues are stil considered normal.

if you believe that she is dyspraxic your senco can refer to occupational therapy or your GP can

[ironrooster]

She was 5 in March.

I was surprised to hear an actual condition mentioned as I've just assumed that she was a clumsy 5yo! The fact that it's a SENCO who mentioned it makes me wonder if there's something in it though. Surely they wouldn't worry parents with potential diagnoses unless they had good reason?

Don't know whether I should just adopt a wait and see approach - she is so young still - or push for investigation.

[SideOrderofChip]

to be fair the senco shouldnt be diagnosing anything.

As i said my DD1 is 9 and just been assessed and is already recieving support from the OT now as apparently she is showing classic signs.

My DD2 is 5 and most of her year is clumsy and falls over, can't use cutlery etc. It sounds more normal 5 year old. I would probably just keep an eye and maybe if nothing has improved in a couple of years go for a diagnosis then

[Ineedmorepatience]

I would request an OT assessment, it sounds like there is enough ifno there to warrent one.

Good luck

[ironrooster]

Thanks. I'll have another word with the teacher next week as tbh I couldn't really take it in when she mentioned it and didn't know what dyspraxia was.

[Dannygirl]

My son's teacher mentioned some concerns when he was 4 and we were referred via the paediatrician and he does indeed have dyspraxia. The earlier they can confirm or rule it out the better in my opinion so although I am sure it was of course a great shock to hear it mentioned to you out of the blue (I didn't react very well at all and initially was in total denial / very defensive when it was mentioned to me!), it did mean my son got OT and Physio support before he was 5. All of the things you mention could totally be normal development for a 5 year old but all also ring a bell with me for my son. I personally would talk to your GP and see what they say, in my experience they take school concerns quite seriously and might well refer you to the paediatrician / local child development centre for assessment. Please feel free to ask if you want to know anything more and good luck x