Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

 

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 criticize 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

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

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

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

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True or False

Dyspraxia affects coordination
✔ True

People cannot learn with dyspraxia
❌ False

Support helps learning
✔ True

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Short Answer

What is dyspraxia?
👉 A condition affecting movement and coordination

One support strategy:
👉 Break tasks into steps

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