Ask The Experts: Helping a child with dyspraxia

Question: One of the children at my nursery has dyspraxia. What can I do to support him?

June O'Sullivan: Dyspraxia is a condition affecting physical co-ordination that causes a child to perform less well than expected for his or her age in daily activities and appear to move clumsily. It affects movement, but can also affect speech. It usually co-exists with other disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, dyslexia and other language, social, emotional and behaviour issues.

Dyspraxia affects five per cent of the population, but is more common in boys. Signs include an inability to sit still, awkward running gait, difficulty catching or kicking balls, falling and tripping often and poor social skills. You can support children's development and monitor skills with simple activities such as playing with soft juggling balls and catching balloons and squeezing and rolling play dough. Contact the Dyspraxia Foundation for more advice.