Can dysgraphia and dyspraxia overlap ?

[girnythecat]

My DS is six and presents as;
clumsyish
cannot co-ordinate his feet to ride a bike
fidgety in class buts takes in all that is being said
shockingly bad writing although his spelling is excellent
We had an OT assessment in class last week and his fine motor skills are in the 2nd percentile. That surprised me as I was expecting a dysgraphia "label"
Now we might have a dyspraxia one ....
I am meeting the OT and class teacher next week to plan a strategy for DS
I was a bit taken aback when I asked the OT whether we might be dealing with a bit of dysgraphia AND dyspraxia overlapping. She said that she really wasn't really in a position to answer that.
I am now really worried that we will go down the wrong track ie writing practice, threading beads and it's actually dysgraphia or allowing him to type work and it's a fine motor problem.
I just want to be prepared for the meeting. His class teacher is great but not nearly as stroppy as I am.
If anyone can offer any advice I would be really, really grateful.

yes there can be huge overlaps - esp if fine motor issues. many ways to beat both, imho would suggest tackling motor control first, maybe start with gross motor skills and work (very gradually) downwards? we use a programme in our LEA which is fab - works systematically through this. lots of it fun, children don't even realise they're learning

worth adding that at 6 it may not be quite apparent which dx he needs, and some work from all angles to see how things develop might be in order. give yourself time to take all the info in. it's a shock and you're probably still reeling. be kinder to yourself

Thank you. I am aware that I might be prioritising what I think is important ie writing at the expense of things that would help his global development ie kicking a ball or riding a bike. I suppose I am still a bit shocked that a genius child( in my view!!!)has an important part of his development so far off track. Thankfully DS is so sparky and confident that this isn't really affecting him.

sounds like DS has a visual spatial difference would normally be assessed via a visual perception assessment from a peadeatric occupational therapist. Appts are generally by referral from GP. Has a Ed psych. carried out a non-verbal learning assessment? A visual spatial difference is often first picked up via a British Ability Scales Assesment.

I had to smile at this, I too have a little genius but with severe DCD, VCD, VSD, VCD and dyslexia oh and throw in the dysgraphia too. He knows the square root of an orange but cannot peel one! These issues are very closely related and only someone like a thorough Paed OT can diagnose through a set of comprehensive tests. GP is the first stop and do not be fobbed off with "it's an educational issue". Next stop will be taking the report and getting the school to act on the recommendations.....my battle continues!