Additional Support Needs
Nora Thomson
Children and Young People with Additional Support Needs
DF55 34
12.10.2012.
Part A
Dyspraxia
Definition
Problems caused by dyspraxia, also known as developmental co-ordination disorder. Dyspraxia specifically relates to the development of a child’s motor skills (their ability to make smooth, co-ordinated movements).
Causes and incidence
The exact causes of dyspraxia in children are unknown, it is thought to be caused by a disruption in the way messages from the brain are transmitted to the body. Dyspraxia is not thought to be due to any damage to the brain but a problem with the development of certain neurones in the brain. Neurones are the nerve cells of the body. They send signals to each other to allow the passage of information between different parts of the body. Connections between the neurones allowing the passage of these signals start to develop as we learn how to do things as a child. For example, when children learn to pick up a spoon and feed themselves or when they learn to pick up a cup and drink from it. The connections are reinforced when an action is carried out correctly. Dyspraxia is more common in boys and sometimes runs in families. It may also occur alongside other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) a group of behavioural symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia which affects the skills involved in reading and spelling words, autistic spectrum disorder, a range of developmental disorders and other chromosome disorders. Reasons why this might occur:
- Lack of oxygen around the time of birth.
- An early viral infection.
- Alcohol or poison abuse such as fatal alcohol syndrome.
- There is evidence that premature birth leads to the failure of the neurons in the brain to form adequate connections. This has an effect on the brains ability to process information.
- It may follow brain damage caused by illness, stroke or
Children and Young People with Additional Support Needs
DF55 34
12.10.2012.
Part A
Dyspraxia
Definition
Problems caused by dyspraxia, also known as developmental co-ordination disorder. Dyspraxia specifically relates to the development of a child’s motor skills (their ability to make smooth, co-ordinated movements).
Causes and incidence
The exact causes of dyspraxia in children are unknown, it is thought to be caused by a disruption in the way messages from the brain are transmitted to the body. Dyspraxia is not thought to be due to any damage to the brain but a problem with the development of certain neurones in the brain. Neurones are the nerve cells of the body. They send signals to each other to allow the passage of information between different parts of the body. Connections between the neurones allowing the passage of these signals start to develop as we learn how to do things as a child. For example, when children learn to pick up a spoon and feed themselves or when they learn to pick up a cup and drink from it. The connections are reinforced when an action is carried out correctly. Dyspraxia is more common in boys and sometimes runs in families. It may also occur alongside other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) a group of behavioural symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia which affects the skills involved in reading and spelling words, autistic spectrum disorder, a range of developmental disorders and other chromosome disorders. Reasons why this might occur:
- Lack of oxygen around the time of birth.
- An early viral infection.
- Alcohol or poison abuse such as fatal alcohol syndrome.
- There is evidence that premature birth leads to the failure of the neurons in the brain to form adequate connections. This has an effect on the brains ability to process information.
- It may follow brain damage caused by illness, stroke or
References: Buzzle http://www.buzzle.com/articles/down-syndrome-effects.html Dyspraxia Association http://www.dyspraxiaireland.com/. Accessed 12.10.2012. Dyspraxia Foundation 2006. http://www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/services/dyspraxia.php Parkes J, Donnelly M, Hill N (2001). Focusing on Cerebral Palsy: Reviewing and Communicating Needs for Services. Scope, London,