Parents & Carers

Difficulties with movement and coordination often become apparent when a child enters school.

You know your child better than anyone else. If you have concerns about your child’s development, make an appointment to discuss these with their teacher. They will be able to confirm whether your child is finding tasks difficult compared to other children of the same age. You can work together to develop a good understanding of your child’s strengths and difficulties at home and at school. Your child’s teacher will be able to signpost you to local sources of information and support. They may also be able to refer you for specialist assessment.

The following resources will help you help your child at home and at school.

• Toolkit for parents/carers of school-aged children with dyspraxia/DCD
• Refer to Dyspraxia Friendly Classroom Guidelines

Adolescence is a tough time for any young person and physical, emotional, social and educational changes can feel overwhelming, especially for a young person with dyspraxia/DCD. Appropriate recognition and support are required to ensure dyspraxic teenagers develop the skills and confidence they need to fulfil their potential and lead full and happy lives.

You can help by:

• Establishing a home routine that ensures a healthy balance of home (including showering, eating/drinking), school (homework) and leisure activities.
• Encouraging and supporting your young person to take part in physical activity. This is important for their physical and mental health. Find an activity that interests your child and support them to take part, joining in if necessary. Good activities include Park Run, martial arts, cycling and swimming.
• Identify school tasks that may be difficult and practice them together, for example carrying a tray, using a compass to draw circles and using a tin opener.
• Support your teenager’s independence by identifying skills and activities that are important to them, and that they want to master. Teach them how to use public transport and how to order food for example.
• Encourage and support your child to identify and connect with peers who share similar interests. Facilitate virtual or in-person meetings if necessary.
• Signposting them to the Dyspraxia Youth closed Facebook group and other resources.
• Seeking professional help if you are concerned about your teenager’s mental or physical health.

The following resources may be of interest:

• Secondary Classroom Strategies
• ‘Stepping up for dyspraxia’ – an article by Dyspraxia Foundation Trustee Dr Sally Payne about helping young people with dyspraxia get ready for the move to secondary school