Dyspraxia And The Teacher

1. Dyspraxia And The Teacher Also Known as Development Coordination Disorder

2. Dyspraxia Definition Dyspraxia is an Impairment or immaturity of the organisation of movement, associated with this there may be problems of Language, perception and thought Other names you may hear Clumsy Child Syndrome Perceptuo-motor Dysfunction Minimal Brain Dysfunction Motor Learning Difficulty

3. Causes of Dyspraxia Neurological Causes The theory outlined by Gerald Edelman in 1992 suggests that the condition is caused by the failure of the neurones in the brain to develop correctly. This failure of the neurones to form adequate connections means that the brain takes longer to process information and there is a greater likelihood of the brain losing the suggestion and the individual therefore failing to respond to requests given to him.

4. Dyspraxia Checklist It may help if you think of Dyspraxia as a problem with the internal wiring of the brain. The incidence of Dyspraxia is approximately 2 people in 100 (2% of the population). Within the group of people with this difficulty there is a spread, with some affected more than others. There is a much greater chance of males being affected, the male female splitting being 70% and 30% respectively. As with any diagnosed condition, as educators or parents we always have to view things, not from the position of what is wrong, but from the standpoint of what works. What strengths does the individual have ? How can we teach this person ?. To achieve a level of knowledge sufficient to teach the individual and thus assist the individual in maximising their development and potential we must ask questions.

5. Dyspraxia (Symptoms / Observations) Individuals may walk awkwardly or clumsily, they may fall over easily Individuals may have a poor stance or posture May have difficulties in throwing, kicking or catching a ball May be more sensitive to touch than others Individuals may object to wearing certain types of clothing or footwear Individuals may be forgetful, easily frustrated, suggesting that the individual has a weak working and storing memory There will probably have reading, spelling and writing difficulties There is a strong chance that the individual cannot hold a pen properly Individuals may display a weak sense of direction and get lost easily Students may have speech problems and be difficult to understand Obsessive behaviour or phobias may be present with students Individuals may be far more impatient and agitated than their peers

6. Dyspraxia (Symptoms/Observations ctd) Students may have organisational difficulties including workload Difficulties in learning new complex skills / tasks such as driving a car, dancing Dyspraxia sufferers may also have difficulties in developing relationships, for example, difficulties in fitting into a new group of students Major problems in understanding body language Individuals may become withdrawn, isolated Individuals with dyspraxia often try too hard to make relationships work therefore causing dislike of themselves

7. Dyspraxia (Teaching Strategies) Try to ensure the individual is sitting in an upright position with both feet flat on the floor If at all possible try to give the individual a sloping surface to write on The individual should be seated away from windows or doors where they may become distracted Individuals should be near enough to the teacher so they can hear and see the instructions being given by the tutor Used lined paper if possible, attach it to the desk so that the individual does not have to hold it in place when writing Repeat verbal instructions several times, keep them precise and simple Tutors may find it useful to use different coloured pens for different lines on the board Use sheets with spaces for answers to reduce the amount of writing to be undertaken Always break down your tasks into achievable chunks to assist the student achieve the lesson aims

8. Dyspraxia Diagnosis Dyspraxia is a neurological and therefore medical condition. To gain a full diagnosis you will require the services of a professional or team of professionals, do not make assumption regarding individuals, seek professional help. Neurologists or clinical psychologists will carry out professional assessments and give you a full picture of who and what you are dealing with.

9. Dyspraxia �Food for Thought� The following comments are genuine and should give us food for thought when dealing with individuals diagnosed with this condition �Everyone says I�m stupid but I know I�m not. I wish someone could understand what it�s like to be me. I feel so fed up and lonely.� �My writing is messy my drawings are too I don�t like my paintings I wish I was like you�.