DCD or dyspraxia affects the development of motor skills and coordination. The causes are not known and there are many reasons why a child's motor skills may not develop well.

The Dyspraxia Foundation provide guidance on recognising dyspraxia. Some children with dyspraxia may only exhibit a few of these symptoms.

• Late to reach motor milestones e.g. sitting, crawling, walking, speaking.
• Difficulty running, jumping, hopping, catching and throwing a ball compared to their peers.
• Slow and hesitant in most actions.
• Does not learn things instinctively and needs to be taught physical skills.
• Trips and falls frequently.
• Poor pencil grip. Writing is laborious and immature.
• Difficulty getting dressed and using cutlery.
• Poor understanding of spatial concepts such as in, on and in front of.
• Difficulty keeping friends and judging how to behave in company.
• Often anxious with low self-esteem.
• Poor attention span and reacts to all stimuli without discrimination.
• Performs better when working one-to-one or in a small group.
• Difficulty following instructions.
• Poorly organised and often loses things.

For more information please visit: Dyspraxia Foundation