Dyspraxia Support

Introduction

Children and adults with dyspraxia have fine and/or gross motor coordination needs. Many also have difficulties with concentration and learning and so strategies for supporting children with dyslexia and weak working memory may be useful. Advice for supporting children with movement sensory needs may sometimes be relevant. Thus a child with dyspraxia can have a wide range of needs and it is important to acknowledge this when making assessments and drawing up support plans.

Classroom strategies to support children with dyspraxia. 

Ensure that the child is sat facing the teacher and board. Check that the table and particularly the chair are the right size. It should allow the child to rest both feet flat on the floor and the child should be encouraged to sit with an upright posture.

Sometimes a slant board placed on the table can be useful to help the child get in to a better posture for writing and drawing tasks. 

Differentiate tasks so as to reduce the quantity of handwriting required. Consider using writing frames to support the structure and layout of writing tasks. Have printed learning objectives that can be stuck into their books. Do the same for homework tasks or be prepared to write this for them.

Use task boards to break down activities/tasks into small components.

It is best to give instructions one at a time. When it is necessary to give more than one prompt them with the number of things they need to remember. E.g. 'You need to do three things...'

Understand that the child is more likely to forget instructions and repeat them as necessary or provide visual reminders.

The child may need supervision and encouragement to stay on a task.

Praise them as much as possible. Giving constant encouragement and positive feedback is vital in maintaining their self-esteem. Use reward systems to give tangible praise and reward.