DEVELOPMENTAL DYSPRAXIA

This page provides information about dyspraxia* for anyone who suspects that they may suffer from this disorder, or that it may be present in a friend or family member. If you recognise any of the following symptoms in yourself or the person you are concerned about, then the David Mulhall centre can help. We can provide an accurate test for dyspraxia* and offer the most effective treatment for each individual based upon the underlying cause of their problems. For an initial consultation, or to find out more about how we can help, simply call our treatment centre on 020 7223 4321

INFORMATION ON DYSPRAXIA

A DEFINITION OF DYSPRAXIA:
‘Dyspraxia is an impairment of movement and coordination that is associated with a delay in neurological development. It manifests as a difficulty with the initiation, organisation and performance of certain tasks.’
The word ‘dyspraxia’ originates from the Greek ‘bad action’, and occurs in both adults and children.

CAUSES OF DYSPRAXIA
Dyspraxia is a commonly used shorthand for ‘developmental dyspraxia’, and this disorder originates from an immature development of the neurological reflexes. Before birth, and in the first few months of life, we develop primitive reflexes in response to stimuli. These reflexes naturally fade in the course of normal development and more sophisticated reflexes are acquired in their place. However, factors such as a traumatic birth or an illness in early infancy can disrupt this developmental stage and result in blockages of the nervous system. Although capabilities such as intelligence are unaffected, these blockages manifest as characteristic dyspraxia symptoms*. For example, poor coordination results from the immature connections between brain and limb.

DYSPRAXIA SYMPTOMS
Dyspraxia signs and symptoms* can be difficult to spot because the pattern of difficulty varies tremendously between each individual. For example, some dyspraxics are highly articulate, yet others exhibit difficulties with language. In addition, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia* have superficially common symptoms, and the dyspraxia sufferer may also have an overlap with these disorders. However, dyspraxics often exhibit one or more of the following symptoms.
PHYSICAL DIFFICULTIES. Many dyspraxics exhibit difficulty with movement and coordination. This can manifest as general clumsiness and poor balance, and deficits of fine motor control can affect the dyspraxic’s handwriting. For this reason, many gravitate towards computers because they find it easier to use a keyboard, and the dyspraxic may also tire easily because of the extra energy they expend in the execution of muscle movements. In addition, a physical and aural over-sensitivity may be present which renders the dyspraxia averse to noisy environments and changes in temperature.

VERBAL DYSPRAXIA In dyspraxia, language and speech* can be affected because of difficulties with controlling the muscles of the speech organs. This manifests as a difficulty in the production and pronunciation of speech sounds, or as a general delay in language acquisition.

COGNITIVE DYSPRAXIA The dyspraxia may exhibit poor concentration and high distractibility, which explains the common misdiagnosis of ADHD. Self organisation can also be impacted, for example meeting essay deadlines, carrying out instructions and being in the right place at the right time.
SOCIAL DIFFICULTIES. Some dyspraxics are prone to extreme emotional reactions and aggressive outbursts which they cannot later explain. They may also struggle from sensory overload and the dyspraxic child* may consequently reject group activities in favour of solitary play. Similarly, some adult dyspraxia* sufferers report feeling emotionally and socially out of synch with their friends and colleagues.

LIVING WITH DYSPRAXIA
Dyspraxia symptoms* can make life seem like a struggle for the family especially in young children, and often significantly impact upon the sufferer’s achievement and social experience. Many dyspraxia sufferers have an unusually high I.Q ,yet seem unable to reap the rewards of their potential. These obviously bright individuals can experience frustration because they continually perform beneath their abilities even though they may work harder than their peers. In children, physical play can be hindered by their dyspraxia, and school* may be an ordeal because it requires many of the skills with which they struggle.
Parenting a dyspraxic child can be hard work too, and sometimes their poor behaviour is unfairly attributed to a lock of discipline and can delay the detection of this disorder.
 
OVERCOMING DYSPRAXIA
Fortunately, dyspraxia can be rectified with patience and the correct treatment. The David Mulhall Centre provides an accurate dyspraxia assessment* and uses multi-sensory treatment techniques to address the underlying cause of the condition .

DYSPRAXIA DIAGNOSIS
Testing for dyspraxia* is the first step toward overcoming it. Given the similarity and potential overlap between dyspraxia and other conditions, a formal diagnostic assessment is vital Our dyspraxia assessment* determines the underlying cause of any problems that you are experiencing, and ,like our treatment programme, is drug free and non-invasive.
 
DYSPRAXIA TREATMENT
Once the development of the neural reflexes has been assessed we can determine the most effective treatment for the individual’s requirements. Treatment is conducted with neuro- acoustic music. This process removes the residual neurological blocking by retraining the reflexes to function at optimum capacity, allowing the patient to master the skills with which they had previously struggled. The David Mulhall Centre treats both adults and children with dyspraxia, and once treated, the benefits are permanent.
 
For an initial consultation call 020 7223 4321
 

Sam's Story

We had been told since the day Sam started school that" something was a problem" but no teacher could actually put their finger on it. Lots of suggestions about why, were made including the fact that he was an August baby!

Finally, frustrated with the lack of progress we had Sam privately assessed and we were given thee diagnosis of Dyspraxia- grapha motor dyspraxia. Although we appreciated the effects this had on his handwriting, we were unaware of the overall effects dyspraxia would have on his daily life - his general organisational skills, his ability to concentrate or following multiple instructions to name a few, but most importantly - the emotional roller coaster.

While researching Dyspraxia we came across the David Mulhall web site. Reading the information on the screen rang a lot of bells for me and we decided bring Sam to be assessed. As a physiotherapist, I knew a lot of the tests and reflexes David tested. However, I had not realised the impact these "stuck" reflexes had on Sam. As David explained, so many pieces of the puzzle that is dyspraxia made sense - from his swimming stroke through to his distractibility in class.

We began treatment with the brushing technique in February 2006. The response was immediate. In the first month we had an initial extreme reaction in Sam's behaviour for a few days, which was quite startling. Then once this settled down, progress was immediately apparent. The main changes were in his handwriting and emotional reactions (they became less extreme). Gradually over the months more subtle changes were apparent. We experienced a slight set back for a few days when we first changed the brushing techniques
And a couple of times we had to ease off and slow down the treatment. However, progress was steady. Now 16 months after we started Sam is doing really well, his reflexes appropriately in place. And he is developing into them. He is a happy well-adjusted boy emotionally (well) balanced. He still has some concentration and task completion issues. I really do believe these will continue to improve as he catches up with his development.

In September Sam starts at senior school. We feel strongly that having followed the David Mulhall regime we have given Sam the best start he could have had. My advice to anyone reading this would be definitely give it a try and to follow the regime to the letter (there were times when we did not brush for a couple of days and we definitely saw a slowdown in his progress.

With patience, faith and (a little) endurance you will reap the rewards.

Sam's Mum - July 2nd 2007