Accompanying Conditions Developmental Coordination Disorder
(also referred to as: limb apraxia, global apraxia, and dyspraxia)


Question and Answer by Robert Steele, MD, a pediatrician from Springfield, MO - describes dyspraxia (ideomotor, ideational, dressing, oromotor, and constructional) and sensory integration

DSM-IV description developed by the DSM-IV Task Force of American Psychiatric Association.

An Overview of Dyspraxia
A Speechville Exclusive
by Dr. Paulene Kamps, PhD

Dyspraxia is a condition recognized in Great Britain and other parts of Europe, but it is not as well known in North America. Unfortunately, many children who experience difficulties in motor planning and learning are not even identified by most professionals in Canada and the USA! Although you may (or may not) have already heard of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), not all people know that this is very much the same as dyspraxia/apraxia. DCD was formally adopted by the American Psychiatric Association in 1994 to identify children who have average (and/or higher) intellect but struggle with the learning and performance of age-appropriate motor skills. There is a tremendous amount of international scholarly research conducted by professionals in many disciplines who are interested in learning more about DCD. Studies have revealed that almost 50% of all children with DCD had some speech difficulties as a child and they continue to have difficulties with fine and/or gross motor skills as they increase in age. Research also shows that over time, the child’s difficulties with motor skills may result in withdrawal, anxiety, and/or other social/emotional difficulties.

The author, Dr. Paulene Kamps, has diverse training and experience. For example, she has Bachelor degrees in Physical Education and Education, a cross-disciplinary Master of Science degree in Kinesology and Educational Psychology, and her Doctorate degree in Educational Psychology (specialization: Community Rehabilitation). Dr. Kamps is also a registered psychologist in the Canadian province of Alberta. She taught special education for five years, then did private tutoring for years, worked with many agencies and school districts, and has her own private practice as a psychologist. It is her blend of physical education, teaching, and psychology that makes her passionate about finding and helping children who struggle motorically, socially, and in other aspects of school. Paulene and her husband parent four teenagers/young adults. Her work, family, and hobbies leave little time for anything else! Dr Kamps book The Source for Developmental Coordination Disorder is featured below.

Books:

Developmental Dyspraxia, A Practical Manual for Parents and Professionals
by Madeline Portwood

The Source for Developmental Coordination Disorder
by Paulene H. Kamps, Ph.D.

Description by the Author
The Source for Developmental Coordination Disorder identifies dyspraxia and apraxia on the front cover because the information is related and applies to the child diagnosed with these conditions. The book about DCD features background information on the development and acquisition of motor skills, checklists to help identify children who may have DCD, as well as detailed information about the diagnostic term and criteria necessary to be identified with this condition. And, what every parent or teacher (teacher’s assistant) wants - the book ends with many different teaching strategies and suggestions – as well as the rationale for using each strategy. A lengthy reference list is contained in the bibliography and provides more resources you may be able to access to learn more about this condition.

Links:

from Google
Center for Childhood Disability Research

Organizations:

National Organzation for Rare Disorders: apraxia, synonyms
The Dyspraxia Foundation

Support:

Australian Dyspraxia Support Group and Resource Centre, Inc.  Offers information about monthly meetings, resources, articles, a database of professionals, and links to further information.

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