What Is Dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia, now more commonly referred to as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a condition that affects a child’s ability to plan and carry out coordinated movements. It is not a problem with muscles or intelligence. The difficulty lies in how the brain organises and sequences movement.
DCD is more common than many people realise. It affects around 5–6% of school-aged children and is more frequently identified in boys than girls. In my practice in Malta, it is one of the conditions I see most regularly.
Recognising the Signs of Dyspraxia
The signs of DCD vary by age and can be subtle in younger children. It is important to know what to look for at each stage of development.
Toddlers and Preschool Age (2–4 years)
- Delayed milestones such as crawling, walking or self-feeding
- Difficulty with simple puzzles or stacking blocks
- Avoids physical play or appears unusually clumsy
- Struggles to use cutlery or dress independently
Primary School Age (5–11 years)
- Messy or effortful handwriting
- Difficulty with physical education — catching, throwing, skipping
- Slow to learn new motor tasks like riding a bike
- Appears disorganised and forgetful
- Fatigue after physical tasks that peers manage easily
Older Children and Teenagers
- Avoids sport or social activities involving physical skill
- Difficulty with time management and organisation
- Low self-esteem related to academic or physical performance
How Is Dyspraxia Diagnosed?
There is no single test for DCD. Diagnosis typically involves a standardised assessment of motor skills, a detailed developmental history and observation of the child. In Malta, assessments are carried out by occupational therapists or paediatric physiotherapists, often alongside a paediatrician or psychologist.
The most commonly used tool is the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2), which assesses manual dexterity, balance and ball skills. Diagnosis requires that the difficulties are significant, persistent and not explained by another condition.
How Occupational Therapy Helps
OT is the primary evidence-based intervention for DCD. Therapy does not try to “fix” the brain’s motor planning system directly. Instead, it builds functional skills through practice, problem-solving and environmental adaptations.
Task-Oriented Approaches
Modern OT for DCD focuses on the specific tasks a child finds difficult — tying shoelaces, using scissors, riding a bike. We break these tasks into manageable steps, practise them in a supportive environment and help the child develop their own problem-solving strategies.
This approach, sometimes called the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP), teaches children to think through how they approach tasks, not just repeat movements.
Gross Motor Development
For children who struggle with balance, coordination and physical confidence, OT sessions include activities that develop these skills in a safe, encouraging environment. Obstacle courses, balance challenges and ball games are all therapeutic tools in disguise.
Fine Motor and Self-Care Skills
Handwriting, cutting, fastening buttons and using cutlery are all areas where children with DCD often need targeted support. OT addresses these through graded practice and, where needed, adaptive equipment or technique modifications.
Supporting Your Child at Home
- Allow extra time for tasks that require coordination — rushing increases anxiety and reduces performance.
- Break new skills into steps and practise one step at a time.
- Use verbal cues. Narrating movements helps — “first we push our arm through the sleeve, then we pull it down.”
- Celebrate effort. Children with DCD work harder than their peers for the same outcomes. Acknowledge that.
- Find physical activities they enjoy. Swimming and martial arts are often good fits for children with DCD.
Early Support Makes a Difference
Children with unidentified DCD often develop secondary difficulties — anxiety, low self-esteem and avoidance of challenges. Early identification and targeted OT support can prevent these from taking hold. In Malta, accessing an assessment at the first sign of concern is always the right move.
With the right support, children with DCD go on to develop the skills and confidence they need to participate fully in school and life.
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, contact us at +356 99872936 or visit wonderkids.mt to book an assessment.