Specialist Web Sites

 Apraxia Kids

This US site is dedicated to support of children with Apraxia of Speech.
 LD Online

A large and popular US site concerned with Dyspraxia, Dyslexia and other LDs. A huge resource with references, downloads and fora.
 NHS Choices

NHS Choices on DCD (in childhood)
 NICE Evidence Search (Apraxia)

NICE reviewed research and guidance

 NICE Evidence Search (Dyspraxia)

NICE reviewed research and guidance
 Speech Disorder Website

Information related to speech disorders associated with dyspraxia
 The Dyscovery Centre

A centre based in Wales which provides assessment and advice services to schools, parents and individuals. The site includes a forum and much information about the work of the centre.
 The Dyspraxia Foundation

The Dyspraxia Foundation is a UK charity providing support to parents, professionals and sufferers. Their website holds information and resources for many audiences and also details the support services and other activities provided by the foundation.

Dyspraxia

Wikipedia Extract : View Full Article

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), also known as developmental dyspraxia or simply dyspraxia, is a chronic neurological disorder beginning in childhood.

It is also known to affect planning of movements and co-ordination as a result of brain messages not being accurately transmitted to the body. Impairments in skilled motor movements per a child's chronological age which must interfere with activities of daily living. A diagnosis of DCD is then reached only in the absence of other neurological impairments like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease.

Developmental coordination disorder is classified (by doctors) in the fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a motor disorder, in the category of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Various areas of development can be affected by developmental coordination disorder and these will persist into adulthood, as DCD has no cure. Often various coping strategies are developed, an these can be enhanced through occupational therapy, psychomotor therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, or psychological training.

In addition to the physical impairments, developmental coordination disorder is associated with problems with memory, especially working memory. This typically results in difficulty remembering instructions, difficulty organizing one's time and remembering deadlines, increased propensity to lose things or problems carrying out tasks which require remembering several steps in sequence (such as cooking).

Whilst most of the general population experience these problems to some extent, they have a much more significant impact on the lives of dyspraxic people. However, many dyspraxics have excellent long-term memories, despite poor short-term memory.

Many dyspraxics benefit from working in a structured environment, as repeating the same routine minimises difficulty with time-management and allows them to commit procedures to long-term memory.