Hands on Dyspraxia: Developmental Coordination Disorder: Supporting Young People with Motor and Sensory Challenges

Summary

This updated new edition is a practical guidebook for parents, teachers and other professionals supporting children with sensory and motor learning difficulties. It offers an understanding of developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and the impact that this can have in both home and school settings. Each chapter offers practical ‘hands-on’ strategies, activities and ideas for managing the effects of the condition as well as providing a sound medical and physiological understanding of the condition to facilitate access to education and everyday living.

Each chapter contains:

• A clear explanation of potential challenges that people with DCD and coexisting conditions face, with an introductory definition, along with reference to current terminology
• Exploration of the implications of these challenges on home life, educational and social environments
• Practical strategies and ideas to help the child or young person reach their full potential

Written by occupational therapists with extensive experience of DCD/dyspraxia and possible associated conditions, this book is structured in an accessible way, suitable for: parents, carers, teachers or health professionals seeking guidance for the young people they support. This is a must read for anybody looking to support children and young people with this often misunderstood condition.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD): an overview  Chapter 2: Other conditions that can coexist with DCD/Dyspraxia  Chapter 3: Sensory integration  Chapter 4: Eye and hand skills  Chapter 5: Visual perception  Chapter 6: Bilateral integration sequencing (BIS): Organising and working both sides of the body together  Chapter 7: Primitive or baby reflexes  Chapter 8: Daily living (self-care) skills  Chapter 9: Additional exercises, activities and therapy  Resources  Professional Organisations  Recommended Reading and References

Author(s) Bio

Though now retired as an occupational therapist, Jill Christmas still continues to provide informal advice to parents, grandparents and carers who have children struggling with issues caused by dyspraxia and allied challenges. Jill was previously the principal of her own clinic, which had a team of occupational therapists and other linked professionals. The clinic had contracts with Special Schools, LEAs and the NHS for the assessment and treatment of children with dyspraxia, DCD, A[DH]D, austistic spectrum disorders, sensory integrative dysfunction and a range of other conditions. The clinic now continues under different management and is based in Sussex.

Rosaline Van de Weyer has both a personal and professional interest in supporting people with DCD. Her son was diagnosed with DCD at the age of 8 years old. She experiences the joys and, at times, heartache of bringing up a ‘distracted’, ‘needs to write more neatly’ (school reports) fabulous young man. Occupational therapy has been a passion for 20 years, helping people overcome difficulties and thrive in all aspects of life. Rosaline manages Dyspraxia UK, an occupational therapy assessment service for people of all ages. This service is primarily independent, but is commissioned by NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups in areas that do not have existing services to meet the demand.