I am advised by the Health Service Executive that dyspraxia, also known as developmental co-ordination disorder, is a disability that affects movement and co-ordination. It is thought to be caused by a disruption in the way messages from the brain are transmitted to the body. It is characterised by difficulty in planning smooth, co-ordinated movements, which leads to clumsiness, a lack of co-ordination and problems with language, perception and thought. Symptoms are normally noticeable from an early age. The condition is more common in boys and sometimes runs in families. It may also occur alongside other conditions, such as:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a group of behavioural symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness;
- Dyslexia: a common type of learning difficulty that mainly affects the skills involved in reading and spelling words.
For children with mild problems, these may disappear as they grow up. However, up to 9 out of 10 children with dyspraxia will continue to have difficulties as a teenager and adult.
Having dyspraxia does not alter a child’s intelligence but affects their learning capability. For this reason children with dyspraxia may require additional supports in the school setting to keep up with their classmates. The provision of such educational supports is a matter for the Minister for Education and Skills.
From a health perspective, there is no cure for dyspraxia, but a number of therapies can make it easier for the child to cope with their problems. These include speech and language therapy, to improve speech and communication skills, and occupational therapy to find ways to remain independent and complete everyday tasks. The provision of health related services is an operational matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy with information regarding the specific health services available for these children.
