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Dyspraxia literally translates as difficulty (dys-) with movement (-praxia). This can be evident with the large movements of arms and legs, making people appear awkward or clumsy. Sometimes, it is the small (fine motor) movements where difficulties may be experienced – for instance, pen-handling skills including writing and drawing, also sometimes called dysgraphia.

There are varying degrees of clumsiness and some children may have problems with only fine motor skill, some with balance and others with the larger movements of the limbs (e.g. awkward catching, throwing or running). Some have all these problems together. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that it affects 6–8 per cent of all children to varying degrees, while other estimates vary between 10 and 20 per cent where diagnosis has been broader.

With dyspraxia, there is often a difficulty in co-ordinating the left and right sides of the body and between the upper and lower body. This can lead to those who have dyspraxia often avoiding sporting activities, especially if ball-handling skills are required. Sometimes, they also experience a heightened sensitivity to noise and touch. Some children with dyspraxia can have speech difficulties, such as stuttering or slurring words when young. This is referred to as ‘oral dyspraxia’ or ‘verbal apraxia’. Many speech symptoms are referred for speech-therapy training.

Dyspraxia is often seen in children born prematurely and results from an immaturity of brain and cerebellar development. Recent research at Kings College London and Harvard Medical School in the USA show specific developmental problems in the brain and cerebellum in premature infants. Children with dyspraxia are often said not to crawl in the usual fashion as babies. However, many seem to have quite normal early milestones such as walking.