Symptoms of Dyspraxia
The symptoms of dyspraxia often become noticeable in early childhood, usually around the time a child starts school. Delays in reaching motor milestones—such as crawling, walking, or holding a pencil—may raise early concerns. While every person with dyspraxia experiences it differently, common symptoms revolve around motor coordination, planning, and everyday physical tasks.
Children with dyspraxia may appear clumsy or uncoordinated. They often bump into objects, drop items frequently, or struggle with balance. Tasks such as tying shoelaces, riding a bicycle, or catching a ball may take significantly longer to master. These children may also tire easily during physical activities and avoid sports or games that require precision or agility.
Fine motor skills are particularly challenging. Handwriting may be slow, uneven, or hard to read. Using scissors, buttoning clothes, or drawing shapes can also prove difficult. These limitations can affect academic performance, especially in early grades where handwriting and drawing are integral to learning.
Another key symptom of dyspraxia is difficulty with motor planning—also known as praxis. Children may know what they want to do but cannot figure out how to sequence or coordinate their movements. For example, they may struggle to brush their teeth or pack a school bag without constant reminders or step-by-step assistance.
Speech & Language
Speech and language can also be affected. Some children with dyspraxia have difficulty coordinating the muscles involved in speech, leading to slurred or unclear pronunciation. This is known as verbal dyspraxia or childhood apraxia of speech. It can cause frustration and delay language development, even though the child’s comprehension may be intact.
Emotional and behavioural symptoms are common. Children with dyspraxia often feel overwhelmed or embarrassed by their difficulties, especially when compared to peers. They may become withdrawn, anxious, or show signs of low self-esteem. Some may act out in frustration or avoid situations where they fear failure.
Symptoms of Dyspraxia
In teenagers and adults, symptoms of dyspraxia may include disorganised thinking, poor time management, or difficulty with complex tasks like driving or cooking. Physical awkwardness may persist, but emotional and executive functioning challenges often become more pronounced.
In South Africa, early signs of dyspraxia may be misinterpreted as laziness, bad behaviour, or simply being “slow”. Without awareness or assessment tools, many learners are left unsupported. In multilingual classrooms, children may also struggle with verbal instructions, masking the presence of coordination difficulties.
Recognising the symptoms of dyspraxia allows families, teachers, and health professionals to take action early. Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and inclusive teaching strategies can help children gain confidence and develop practical life skills. With patience and the right support, children with dyspraxia can thrive in school and beyond.
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