Difference between DCD and Dispraxia?

[yanny]

Hi I wondered if anyone could tell me the difference between Developmental Coordination Disorder and Dispraxia? Or if they are different? My dd age 9 (after 7 or so years of gp visits) has been referred to the OT by our school doctor who says she thinks my DD could possibly have DCD. She was very quick to point out this is not the same as Dispraxia, although from what I've found on google it seems to be classed as the same thing. I'm not sure. Any help appreciated.

From the Dyspraxia Foundation website:

Q: Are dyspraxia and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) the same thing?

Developmental coordination difficulties are thought to affect between 5-10% of school-aged children, with 2% being severely affected. In the UK these difficulties are often referred to as dyspraxia, although in other countries the term developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is more commonly used. The term DCD describes a more generalised motor co-ordination difficulty which shows a marked difference between the levels of skills that would be expected for age or level of intelligence and significantly interferes with academic or activities of daily living. This is not caused by another medical condition (for example cerebral palsy) and is not part of a pattern of general learning difficulties. The term dyspraxia describes an immaturity in the development of the organisation and sequencing of movements. It can also affect speech, perception and thought. Not all people with DCD have dyspraxia, but often the words are used interchangeably. Difficulties associated with both DCD and dyspraxia have an impact on living and learning in all areas of a child?s life, at home, school and at play.

clickie link hope this helps

LewisFanIsOnADiet thanks for that. I'm bewildered and curious. There is a bit of a longish story that accompanies my dd's history and fingers crossed we will get the help we need!

Thanks so much for your reply xx

Hi. My ds(10.10yrs), was dx with Dyspraxia at age of 6.5. Dyspraxia is where the dc has Motor Planning difficulties which are pervavise and affect the dc in all areas-from the execution of a task to completion.While these difficulties can be greatly improved with OT,they will persist to a greater or lesser extent into adulthood.DCD is more to do with difficulties in movement and physical skills and is a developmental disorder. Can see why they appear similar, as the ds may have many of the same difficulties as eachother. Its good youve been reffered to OT as they can do a proper assessment and target specific exercises to help your dd. I would advise anyone with concerns re their dcs development for whatever reason, if you get no joy from GP after few visits, to ask to be referred on to paediatrician,(same if you are seeing your HV and get no joy).GPS and HVs are not specialists in child disorders and IME parents gut instinct that perhaps something is not happening as it should, usually turns out to be right.

Thanks Bigpants

My trouble is....

Dd was born prem at 29+2 weeks. A battle ensued from there, until at age 29 months my DD sustained a head fracture after falling from a 1st floor window. Since then I have been convinced on the whole that DDs 'problems' (socially/immaturity/anxiety/ and probably more than I can think of this time of night) were down to this terrible 'accident' at age 2.5.

Age 9 now and after an appoinment as part of a legal claim it seems to be indicated that the head injury/skull fracture has had no long term affects, but the neuro suggests that the probs my child may have are present in those born at low birth weight. (Below 2lbs at 29 wks)

School DR suggets DCD although I feel pretty much in the dark about this. We live in East Scotland, and apparently there is a 12 week waiting list.

Any advice welcome as usual x

Yanny, I'm at the start of the whole Dyspraxia thing with my DS too (he's 6.5yrs old)

It's a minefield of information to take in - I find the Foundation website (the one I linked to) very helpful as it has hints and tips for things like learning to cycle or swim and things. It is clear and easy to read too.

Bigpants it's good to know you got a diagnosis at the age DS is at - I keep being told they won't be able to tell because it's in the middle of the "is it development / age differences or Dys" from school even though he ticks a LOT of the symptoms from the Foundation site!

My Dt2 has been diagnosed with DCD. What my Paed said was that it can vary from OT to OT but that generally Dyspraxia is where motor skills are very out of sync with the rest of the childs development and the problem is an obvious one. DCD on the other hand she said is an umbrella term for all motor problems. My Dt2 seems to have traits of dyspraxia but I feel that he comes under the DCd label better. He didn?t have trouble riding a bike, jumping etc but does seem to have problems with motor regulation and depth perception. He is not very organised and is forgetful. I don?t think his motor problems are severe enough to be called dyspraxia but he definitely has some motor issues which have had an impact on his learning. He had some physio sessions with 2 other boys, one of whom had mild dyspraxia and that boy was far weaker at most skills than my DT2 and it was obvious watching him that his motor skills were very poor. I dont think that could be said about DT2 and he doesnt stand out. My Dts were also premature although they were 36 weeks. The paed has indicated that Dt2?s prematurity could have had something to do with his issues. He was 4lb?s which was quite light for 36 weeks.

Dt2 also has attention issues and is now on medication. Although the medication does not help with DCD he is far less impulsive and ?bouncy? so indirectly it seems to have helped. Its all confusing isn?t it? I still don?t feel I have a great understanding of the difference between DCD and Dyspraxia as they seem to be used interchangeably by some experts

Hi thanks so much for your replies and info.

I'm thrilled we have finally been referred. I know there is something not quite right and this private report has made the school dr really take notice. In fact she changed from telling me dd had no problems with motor skills etc and just seemed to be rather immature to telling me after reading the report it could be DCD. Fingers crossed we get an appointment soon!

LEwisFanisonaDiet - I can't remember how many times over the years I was told they can't say for sure whether its age/development or something else. I checked that link already but somehow missed the Q&A bit you posted, thanks!

Bigpants1 - Yes you're right about gut instinct. I know there is something not quite right and feel a bit of a failure that it has taken so long to finally get her an appt to be assessed. It took us a year to be referred to the school GP from our local GP

Paranoid2 - It is all pretty confusing! Thanks for sharing, dd has poor organisational skills and very forgetful. Teacher at school has been good, breaking down instructions as too many at once result in the blank look she gives when she's not sure what she should be doing. We went through 3 bikes before she managed to ride one but she's not great at stopping or steering and once ran into a policeman at full pelt. It was him or the wall

Thanks again everyone xx

Hi

Hi - I'm still confused. DCD/Dyspraxia I'm still trying to find out what they both mean. My son is nearly 8 years old and has recently been seen by a OT at the school. Although he is fine academically the school noticed that he struggled with Physical Activity. I also noticed at home that he was clumsy and noticed that when he runs he is awkward and used the stairs very carefully. He takes ages to get dressed because he loses concentration. The OT has given him exercises to do but not sure if it will make much of a difference. I have recently gone to my GP who has referred him to Paediatrician next month. I find it all a bit frightening because I worry what life will be like when he goes to secondary school.