Dyspraxia vs. Developmental Coordination Disorder

[jsendel]

Can anyone explain the difference between Dyspraxia and Developmental Coordination Disorder? I have seen these names used interchangeably along with Development Dyspraxia.

[mwolfinger]

Its the same diagnosis. I think DCD might be more popular of a term for Dyspraxia in the UK, but other than that, no difference.

[nolndrn]

skyes offical dx was DCD.. used because everything these days in the US is a disorder , but was told it is the same thing as dysprixia by the neruo and her therapists

[tysmom152]

From what I learned through all my research while trying to get a diagnosis for my son is that Yes DCD and Dyspraxia is used interchangeably however, Dyspraxia is actually a symptom of DCD. This is from the Dyspraxia uk website-

The term DCD describes a more generalised motor co-ordination difficulty which shows a marked difference between the levels of skills that would be expected for age or level of intelligence and significantly interferes with academic or activities of daily living. This is not caused by another medical condition (for example cerebral palsy) and is not part of a pattern of general learning difficulties. The term dyspraxia describes an immaturity in the development of the organisation and sequencing of movements. It can also affect speech, perception and thought. Not all people with DCD have dyspraxia, but often the words are used interchangeably. Difficulties associated with both DCD and dyspraxia have an impact on living and learning in all areas of a child’s life, at home, school and at play.

My son was also diagnosed with DCD/Dyspraxia along with language disorders, Sensory Integration and ADHD. He is What Warren considers Global Dyspraxic. His cognitive abilities are greatly impaired along with is coordination, movements, speed.

I hope this helps clarify your question--I asked the same question many times and when I found the above answer It made sense to me.

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[joy 30]

I disagree with tysmom and say that DCD and dyspraxia are the same. There has been about twelve different names for Dyspraxia over the years including minimal brain dysfunction,organic brain dysfunction, minimal cerebal palsy ,clumsy child syndrome,Dyspraxia and now DCD to name but a few. It is such a complex and umberella term that can overlap with several other conditions so that no two people with dyspraxia will be the same . Both myself and my son have Dyspraxia with many similar problems and different ones as well.

[tysmom152]

I have been told by many not to get caught up on a "label" and just focus on treating the symptoms of the disorder--so that is how we have decided to take journey with our son, and this is only because in our area the dr's are conflicted on what DX to actually give our son. Even though he is dyspraxic he is also very much SID, borderline Aspie, so instead of "labeling" him he is considered "other health impaired". This is because the "labels" dyspraxia and SID do not allow him the services he needs. With the Other Health impaired "label" is now finally getting the accomodations he needs. It maybe different in your state, but this is what we have experienced so far in our journey.