What Is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder) is a neurological condition affecting motor planning and coordination. Individuals with dyspraxia have difficulty planning, organizing, and executing physical movements. This can affect gross motor skills (running, climbing, balance), fine motor skills (writing, buttoning, using utensils), and speech (verbal dyspraxia/apraxia). Dyspraxia is estimated to affect 5 to 6 percent of children.

How Dyspraxia and Autism Overlap

Research suggests that motor coordination difficulties are present in a significant proportion of autistic individuals, with estimates ranging from 50 to 80 percent showing some degree of motor impairment. Both conditions can involve difficulty with motor planning, sensory processing differences, and challenges with daily living tasks. Social awkwardness in dyspraxia can resemble the social communication differences of autism. Executive function challenges occur in both conditions.

Key Differences

The core feature of dyspraxia is motor coordination difficulty, while autism’s core features are social communication differences and restricted/repetitive behaviors. A child with dyspraxia may struggle to catch a ball but understand social cues normally. An autistic child may have excellent motor skills but struggle with social reciprocity. When both conditions coexist, the child faces compounded challenges across social, motor, and daily living domains.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Assessment for dyspraxia typically involves an occupational therapist or physiotherapist who evaluates motor skills against age expectations. If autism is also suspected, a comprehensive developmental evaluation should assess both conditions. Motor assessments are not always included in standard autism evaluations, so parents should specifically request motor coordination testing if they have concerns.

Treatment Approaches

When both conditions are present, a coordinated approach works best. Occupational therapy addresses motor planning and coordination. ABA therapy addresses autism-related goals. Speech therapy may address verbal dyspraxia. Treetop ABA Therapy collaborates with OTs and other specialists to create comprehensive treatment plans addressing the full range of each child’s needs.