Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland estimates that there's more than one child in every classroom with Dyspraxia/DCD, so if you've heard of the condition, you're not alone. This is a common condition affecting fine and/or gross motor coordination and can also be used to describe a case where a child has motor difficulties and finds things such as speech, organisation, planning and sequencing that bit more difficult. They may also have various other psychological, emotional and social problems.

 

Commonly children are diagnosed through an assessment raised in school. This usually occurs around the age of 7-8 if the child is recognised as having difficulty writing, socialising or taking part in physical activity.

 

What causes it?

 

Children can have Dyspraxia/DCD of varying degrees and differing signs and symptoms, which may change over time as they develop into adulthood. Very little is known about the cause of it but even though it may come with its own challenges (like so many things in life), there are still many activities you can do together as a group that will make it extra fun (for everyone involved) improving the skills of the child who has it.

 

How can the family help that bit more?

 

If everyone is focused on having fun and enjoyment, it becomes just that, the joy of spending time with each other, encouraging inclusivity and belonging, regardless of anything else. Plus the child with Dyspraxia gets lots of additional support, encouragement (feeling empowered as a result) and a chance to improve their skills. Here are four things the whole family can enjoy.

 

1. Get creative!

 

Try painting, drawing, Lego building and threading beads to make jewellery – anything that involves holding and working with small parts. This will help the child work on fine motor skills. It also provides a creative outlet – and an opportunity to make a mess, and what kid doesn’t love that!

 

2. Schedule 'Screen Time'

 

Screen time gets a bad rap, but the recently launched Beats Medical Dyspraxia App is a great way to put screen time to good use. The app is full of games based on clinically approved therapies, so while your child plays, they’re actually working on the gross motor skills, fine motor skills and speech skills. Even better news, Vhi members get an exclusive discount and it’s so much fun that the kids won’t even realise they are not just playing!

 

3. Make sure you have an 'Outdoor Day' planned each week

 

As well as enjoying time together as a family - maybe you'll decide to go for a stroll on the beach and bring a picnic for later - having some back-to-basics fun can to be a really fun way to help those with Dyspraxia. Think activities like jumping, playing catch or skipping - done outdoors; kids learn on multiple levels with all of the imaginary castles, lands and creatures to be built. The whole family can enjoy them too.

  

4. Turn after-school-time into an activity the family can all get involved in

 

One of the issues your child might have is with their schoolwork, so what about doing something like shared reading? This gives them extra time with you (or their big sister or brother) and helps them learn in a relaxing environment, without the pressure of a classroom (kids with Dyspraxia/DCD may benefit from extra time, going at their own pace). And it's educational too! Why not choose their favourite book to start and let everyone take turns reading a chapter? Plus it makes for great memories; who doesn't remember being cuddled up to mum or dad reading their favourite story? It's something everyone loves.  

Brought to you by
Now Vhi are supporting families of children with Dyspraxia/DCD.  All Vhi customers on hospital plans can avail of an annual subscription to the Beats Medical Dyspraxia App at the exclusively discounted price of €50, compared to the standard subscription fee of €330.  To find out more visit vhi.ie/dyspraxia
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