Children with Dyspraxia have difficulty with movement and coordination, which in the past led to the label Clumsy Child Syndrome. Dyspraxia (from the Greek ‘praxis’ – ‘doing’ or ‘acting’) affects up to one in ten children, up to 2 per cent severely so. Boys are four times more likely to be affected than girls.
The signs can be difficult to spot because patterns vary so much, and symptoms overlap with other disorders. Many dyspraxics are clumsy, have poor balance and poor handwriting, preferring to use a computer. They may be hypersensitive, hating noisy environments and changes in temperature. Others have poor concentration, high distractibility and may be prone to emotional outbursts, leading to a common misdiagnosis of ADHD.
Dyspraxia, especially in young children, can make life a struggle for the family. Physical play is hindered and school is an ordeal. Many dyspraxia sufferers have a high IQ, yet seem unable to reap the rewards of their potential. Adult dyspraxics can end up isolated, finding themselves emotionally and socially out of synch with their peers. As a parent, you may feel the finger pointing at you for poor disciplining.
Nobody is to blame. I believe that Retained Reflex Syndrome is at the root of Dyspraxia. Several childhood reflexes may be hindering normal development – a retained Spinal Galant results in awkward, same-sided (instead of cross-pattern) movements when walking; the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex affects hand-eye coordination, balance and motor skills, and the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex affects spatial awareness and balance.
Help is at hand. Both children and adults can overcome Dyspraxia naturally using the Mulhall Integration Programme. At the David Mulhall Centre, we conduct a thorough and non-invasive assessment, which is essential given the overlap with other disorders. We create an individual treatment programme using a range of gentle techniques tailored to your needs. Once treated, the benefits are permanent.
