Dyspraxia is a developmental disorder that affects the planning and execution of voluntary movements. Also known as developmental coordination disorder, dyspraxia can present in a variety of ways and affect people of all ages. In this article, we will explore the different types of dyspraxia, their possible causes, the symptoms that may occur, and the treatment options available.
Types of Dyspraxia
There are several types of dyspraxia that can manifest individually or in combination with other types. The most common types of dyspraxia are described below:
Ideomotor Dyspraxia
Ideomotor dyspraxia refers to difficulty planning and performing coordinated movements. People with this type of dyspraxia may have problems performing tasks that involve fine and gross coordination, such as buttoning buttons or tying shoelaces.
Oromotor Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia Oromotor impairment affects the coordination of mouth and tongue movements, which can make speech articulation and swallowing difficult. People with oromotor dyspraxia may have difficulty pronouncing words correctly or chewing and swallowing food properly.
Visuospatial Dyspraxia
Visuospatial dyspraxia is characterized by difficulties in perception and organization of visual space. People with this type of dyspraxia may have problems orienting themselves in space, copying figures or reading maps.
Verbal Dyspraxia
Verbal dyspraxia affects the planning and coordination of necessary movements to talk. People with verbal dyspraxia may have difficulty articulating sounds, rhythms and patterns of speech, which can affect their ability to communicate effectively.
Causes of Dyspraxia
The cause The exact cause of dyspraxia is not known with certainty, but it is believed that it may be related to genetic factors and brain development. Some experts suggest that dyspraxia may result from a disruption in communication between the areas of the brain responsible for planning and executing movements.
In addition, it has been identified that certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of develop dyspraxia, such as prematurity, a family history of neurodevelopmental disorders, and complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
Symptoms of Dyspraxia
Symptoms of dyspraxia can vary widely from person to person. person to another and can affect different areas of daily life. Some of the most common symptoms of dyspraxia include:
Difficulty performing fine motor tasks
People with dyspraxia may have difficulty performing tasks that require precise, coordinated movements, such as writing by hand, drawing, or buttoning clothes.
Gross motor coordination problems
Coordination of larger movements, such as walking, running, or jumping, can be challenging for those with dyspraxia. This can affect participation in sports or recreational activities.
Speech and language difficulties
Verbal dyspraxia can manifest itself in problems articulating words correctly, difficulties organizing ideas when speaking or incoherent speech patterns.
Planning and organizational problems
People with dyspraxia may have difficulty planning and organizing tasks, which can affect their ability to complete schoolwork, homework, household chores or maintaining an orderly schedule.
Diagnosis of Dyspraxia
The diagnosis of dyspraxia generally involves a thorough evaluation of the person's motor, cognitive, and speech skills. Health professionals, such as neurologists, pediatricians, occupational therapists or speech therapists, may be involved in the diagnostic process.
It is important to note that dyspraxia can coexist with other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation is essential to determine an accurate and appropriate diagnosis.
Treatment of Dyspraxia
Treatment of dyspraxia is generally based on multidisciplinary approaches that address the needs specific to each person. Some of the interventions that may be part of dyspraxia treatment include:
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy can help improve fine and gross motor coordination, as well as self-care and organizing daily tasks.
Speech and language therapy
Speech and language therapy can be beneficial in improving articulation, verbal fluency, and understanding of speech. language in people with verbal dyspraxia.
Educational support
Students with dyspraxia can benefit from educational adaptations and specific teaching strategies that help them develop academic and social skills.
Social skills training
Social skills training can be useful to improve interaction with others and foster positive relationships in social settings.
Conclusions
In summary, dyspraxia is a developmental disorder that affects the planning and execution of voluntary movements in people of all ages. While the exact cause of dyspraxia is not completely understood, it is thought that genetic and brain development factors may play an important role in its onset.
Symptoms of dyspraxia can vary widely and affect different areas. of daily life, including motor skills, speech and language, and cognitive organization. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to improve the quality of life of people with dyspraxia and help them realize their full potential.
With personalized therapeutic approaches and comprehensive support, people with dyspraxia can learn to manage their difficulties and develop effective strategies to face the challenges that arise on a daily basis.