Speech and Language

Some people with dyspraxia have difficulty keeping up with conversations and there may be long, awkward pauses before they respond to a question or comment.

People with verbal Dyspraxia have severe and persistent difficulty coordinating the precise movements required to produce clear speech. It is possible to have verbal dyspraxia on its own or alongside other movement difficulties associated with Dyspraxia.

How would I recognize a an adult with Dyspraxia?

The presence of many (although not all) of these signs might suggest that an adult has dyspraxia:

• History of physical awkwardness as a child, but may have developed coping or avoidance strategies as an adult
• Difficulty learning new motor skills or applying skills in a different or busy environment
• Difficulty handling tools and equipment such as a tin opener.
• Poor balance, tires easily.
• Can produce lots of writing or neat writing, but not both at the same time.
• Anxious and may avoid social situations where difficulties might be exposed
• Poor organisation and time management skills.
• Misses deadlines, late for appointments.
• Awkward pauses before answering questions

What causes Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia is the result of a disruption in the way that messages are passed between the brain and the body. The cause of this disruption is not yet clear although being born early, having a low birth weight and a family history of coordination difficulties increases the likelihood of someone having the condition. Dyspraxia is not caused by brain damage, illness or injury.

In most cases, the cause of a person’s Dyspraxia is not known. It’s likely that there isn’t one single reason to explain why a person’s movement skills are not as well developed as their abilities in other areas.