By Elizabeth Stephens-Sarlós MSc, PhD

What is dyspraxia, and what can parents do to support their child?

Many children on the autism spectrum display motor difficulties, including poor balance, delayed development of gross and fine motor skills, and trouble with daily tasks involving coordination.

Recognizing the connection between dyspraxia and autism is essential for accurate diagnosis and intervention. It also helps us explore how brain development, sensory processing, and early motor skills, like reflexes, affect neurodevelopmental disorders.

Let’s explore this connection and how early movement and reflex integration are foundational for healthy brain development.

Dyspraxia explained

Dyspraxia is a neurological disorder affecting movement, coordination, and the brain’s ability to plan and execute movements.

Children with dyspraxia may appear clumsy or uncoordinated, struggle with handwriting or catching a ball, or have trouble coordinating their bodies to perform everyday activities such as dressing or tying shoelaces.

Key characteristics of dyspraxia include:

• Poor balance and posture

• Difficulties with fine motor skills (e.g., writing, using utensils)

• Challenges in sequencing and motor planning

• Delayed speech and articulation problems (in verbal dyspraxia)

• Difficulty learning new motor tasks

Although dyspraxia is not caused by muscle weakness or damage, the brain’s ability to communicate with the body about coordinated movement is compromised. This disconnect can affect learning, independence, and self-esteem.