📘 Chapter 15 – Module 14 🧠 Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)

 

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✅ Version 1: Standard Learning Module (Professional Training Version)

Introduction

Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a condition that affects:

• Movement
• Coordination
• Planning and organisation

It can also impact:

• Speech
• Memory
• Processing speed

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Key Message

Dyspraxia is not related to intelligence.

People with dyspraxia:

• Can learn and succeed
• May need additional time and support
• Benefit from structured and accessible approaches

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Signs of Dyspraxia

🧠 Movement and Coordination

• Difficulty with coordination
• Clumsiness
• Poor balance
• Difficulty using tools or writing

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🗣️ Communication

• Speech may be unclear
• Difficulty expressing ideas
• Slower processing of information

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🧩 Learning & Organisation

• Difficulty planning tasks
• Trouble following step-by-step instructions
• Forgetfulness
• Difficulty sequencing tasks

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Strengths Associated with Dyspraxia

Many individuals demonstrate strengths such as:

• Creativity
• Strong imagination
• Problem-solving ability
• Determination and resilience

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Support Strategies

🧠 Practical Support

• Break tasks into smaller steps
• Provide clear instructions
• Allow extra time
• Be patient and supportive

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🧩 Learning Support

• Use visual aids and demonstrations
• Repeat instructions when needed
• Use structured teaching methods

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❤️ Communication Support

• Speak clearly and slowly
• Check understanding
• Use encouraging language

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Professional Practice Guidance

• Do not rush the individual
• Do not criticise coordination difficulties
• Always support independence
• Maintain patience and respect

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⚠️ Behaviour & Safety (Important Training Point)

Behaviour may sometimes reflect:

• Frustration
• Difficulty
• Overwhelm

👉 Behaviour is a form of communication.

However:

❗ This does not excuse unsafe behaviour

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Safe Response Framework

If concerns arise:

• Stay calm
• Prioritise safety
• Support the individual
• Escalate to a senior if needed
• Do not leave unsafe situations unresolved

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Reflection Questions

• What is dyspraxia?
• Name one sign
• Name one strength
• How would you support someone?

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Assessment (Summary)

Learners should demonstrate:

• Understanding of dyspraxia
• Awareness of signs
• Ability to provide support
• Respectful attitudes
• Safety awareness

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Key Message

👉 Support + understanding = better outcomes
👉 Safety and respect must always come first

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🟢 Version 2: Easy Read Version

🧠 Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia is a condition.

It affects:

• Movement
• Coordination
• Planning

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💭 Important

Dyspraxia is NOT about intelligence.

People can learn.

They may need:

• More time
• Support

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👀 Signs

Some people may:

• Be clumsy
• Struggle to write
• Have poor balance
• Speak slowly

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❤️ Strengths

People with dyspraxia may be:

• Creative
• Good at problem solving
• Determined

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🤝 Support

• Give clear instructions
• Break tasks into steps
• Give extra time
• Be patient

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⚠️ Safety

• Stay safe
• Ask for help if needed
• Do not rush

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✅ Key Message

👉 Support helps people succeed

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🧠 Version 3: Quiz

Multiple Choice

1. Dyspraxia affects:
   A. Hearing
   B. Movement and coordination ✅
   C. Taste

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2. Dyspraxia is:
   A. A learning difference ✅
   B. About intelligence
   C. A behaviour problem

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3. A good support strategy is:
   A. Rushing
   B. Giving extra time ✅
   C. Ignoring

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True or False

4. Dyspraxia affects coordination
   ✔ True
5. People cannot learn with dyspraxia
   ❌ False
6. Support helps learning
   ✔ True

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Short Answer

7. What is dyspraxia?
   👉 A condition affecting movement and coordination
8. One support strategy:
   👉 Break tasks into steps
9. One strength:
   👉 Creativity / problem-solving

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☑️ Version 4: Assessment Sheet (Clean & Printable)

Learner Name: ____________________
Tutor: ____________________
Date: ____________________

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🧠 Knowledge

☐ Understands dyspraxia
☐ Knows signs
☐ Understands support needs

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🤝 Skills

☐ Uses clear communication
☐ Shows patience
☐ Supports step-by-step tasks

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❤️ Attitude

☐ Respectful
☐ Supportive
☐ Encouraging

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⚠️ Safety Awareness

☐ Understands safety
☐ Knows when to ask for help
☐ Follows guidance

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💬 Tutor Feedback

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✍️ Signatures

Learner: ____________________
Tutor: ____________________

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📊 Version 5: PowerPoint Slides

Slide 1 – Title

Dyspraxia (DCD)

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Slide 2 – What is Dyspraxia?

• Affects movement
• Affects coordination
• Affects planning

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Slide 3 – Signs

• Clumsiness
• Writing difficulty
• Coordination issues

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Slide 4 – Strengths

• Creativity
• Problem solving
• Determination

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Slide 5 – Support

• Step-by-step instructions
• Extra time
• Visual support

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Slide 6 – Important Message

• Be patient
• Be kind
• Support independence

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Slide 7 – Safety

• Ask for help
• Escalate if needed
• Keep everyone safe

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🧩 Version 6: Activity Sheet

Activity 1 – Think

What is dyspraxia?

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Activity 2 – List

Name:

• One sign
• One strength
• One support strategy

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Activity 3 – Scenario

Someone is struggling with coordination.

What would you do?

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Activity 4 – Reflection

Why is patience important?

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🌟 Important Professional Message (Refined from Your Insight)

You’ve expressed something very important:

👉 Behaviour may be linked to difficulty, frustration, or unmet needs
👉 But this does NOT excuse unsafe behaviour

The correct professional approach is:

✔ Understand behaviour
✔ Provide support
✔ Maintain safety
✔ Escalate when needed
✔ Treat people with respect and dignity