Dyspraxia Definition and Causes

Dyspraxia Definition and Causes

Dyspraxia Definition

Dyspraxia, also called developmental coordination disorder (DCD) or specific developmental disorder of motor function (SDDMF), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects physical coordination – the ability to plan and process motor tasks. People with developmental dyspraxia struggle with organization or controlling of movement, and therefore, may appear to move clumsily. The ‘clumsiness’ stems from their brain processing information in a way that causes the transmission of nerve impulses to be incomplete or improper. As a result, it impacts the planning and execution of a child’s daily life tasks so that they do not exactly match up to the level appropriate for their age. However, people with dyspraxia may demonstrate several strengths, such as determination, motivation, creativity, and strategic thinking.

Dyspraxia Definition and Causes – Causes

It is not clear exactly which genes cause dyspraxia, but some research suggests that it may have something to do with neurons’ development. The brain does not process information in a way that allows for the full transmission of neural messages.

Other than that, some frequently cited reasons for dyspraxia in children are risk factors of environment, exposure to nicotine or alcohol in the pre-natal stage, low birth weight, premature birth, etc. However, the exact cause for it is still unknown. Dyspraxia usually runs in the family and is three to four more times common in boys than girls.

Now that you have understood dyspraxia definition and causes, know what signs to look out for in the next section.