If a parent or teacher suspects that a child has a dyspraxia learning disability, an appointment with a learning specialist can help with a diagnosis. The specialist can explain terms that can help the parents understand the disability and can make recommendations for treatment. Being prepared with observations of the child's behavior and being able to identify what they can or cannot do may assist the specialist in planning a treatment program. Providing information about any family history of learning disorders will also assist the specialist in treatment.
Developmental Disorders
When a child is born with a developmental disability, sometimes called a birth defect, it means there is a chronic condition that will be a life-long challenge. Down syndrome; autism; and language, learning, vision or hearing problems are a few developmental disabilities. While these disabilities are typically present at birth, they can begin at any time up to age 22.
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Good Samaritan Hospital answeredLow doses of stimulant drugs such as Ritalin and Dexedrine have been used to treat learning disabilities like dyspraxia for several years. These medications temporarily help children and adults concentrate and become more focused. Ritalin is effective for three to four hours and Dexedrine for four to six hours. -
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See All 2 AnswersTreatment for apraxia should mainly consist of speech and occuational therapy by a qualified specialist who has experience working with apraxic children. Children with apraxia will generally improve with numerous speech therapy sessions weekly and repeating the same words/concepts numerous times in order for the brain connections to occur. -
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Good Samaritan Hospital answered
Treatment options for dyspraxia start with first identifying that there is a problem. If a developmental milestone is long delayed or if there is a history of learning disabilities in the family, a child should be evaluated by a professional. Once a diagnosis is made, children may be treated with medications to improve concentration. Working with special education teachers and other specialists may be the most effective treatments.
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Riverside Center for Neurosciences answeredTreatment is symptomatic and supportive and may include occupational and speech therapy and "cueing" or other forms of communication such as using pictures and hand gestures. Many children with the disorder require special education.
This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
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Good Samaritan Hospital answered
Megavitamins and special diets are some alternative treatments used for dyspraxia learning disabilities. However, the effectiveness of these kinds of treatments hasn't been proven. A study using a supplement of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (largely obtained from oily fish) has shown some promise in improving dexterity and balance. The long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) play in important role in the formation of brain cells.
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Good Samaritan Hospital answered
Dyspraxia affects the body by impairing the organization of movement. The control of body movements, like balancing, walking, running, tying shoelaces, and buttoning clothes, are more noticeable effects. These fine motor skills are impaired by dyspraxia, making it seem as if the child is "accident prone." Language delays may be present, but they're often more difficult to recognize, especially if the child is quiet. Dyspraxia is not linked to I.Q. but because tasks like writing take longer and are more labor intensive, it gives the impression that the affected person is slower-thinking.
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Good Samaritan Hospital answered
A learning disability like dyspraxia does not disappear and cannot be cured. The brain is very adept at learning, and given time and education, people with dyspraxia can learn to adapt. Special education programs and other therapy may help reduce symptoms of the condition. By developing personal strengths and alternate ways to learn, someone with dyspraxia can function in a normal environment.
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Good Samaritan Hospital answered
Dyspraxia can affect as many as six percent of children between the ages of five and eleven. Lack of training in recognizing symptom causes many cases to go unnoticed and untreated. In young children, the signs are subtle and often thought of as being a "little bit behind" and not a serious problem. Effects of dyspraxia are not limited to I.Q., so it affects children and adults of all levels.
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Dr. John H. Growdon, MD , Neurology, answeredSee All 3 AnswersThe inability to perform basic motor skills such as walking, dressing, and eating a meal is known as apraxia. This is quite different from weakness or paralysis caused by a stroke. A person with apraxia has literally forgotten how to perform these activities. Usually, apraxia develops gradually, but in some cases, it begins abruptly. Apraxia may first be evident in fine hand movements, showing up in illegible handwriting and clumsiness in buttoning clothing. Everyday skills like dressing, using a phone or switching channels on a TV set may disappear. Eventually the ability to chew, walk, or sit up in a chair is lost.