How To Understand And Support Children With Dyspraxia

With more than 20 years experience, Lois Addy emphasises the importance of understanding dyspraxia so that effective support can be given to children with coordination and perception difficulties. The author presents a series of ideas and strategies to support this special group of children.

Today there are more children than ever before in need of a variety of additional support needs, and many of these children have poor movement as a key contributory factor. Even in children with no specific ‘label’, movement is being found to be linked to learning, and educational professionals need to understand what is amiss and how to support children who do not meet their motor milestones at the correct time. The brand new topic areas featured in this comprehensive and practical new edition include: a discussion of terminology and labelling (in light of current inclusion guidelines) a range of age specific activities a section on the neurology of dyspraxia, showing the motor pathways that are energised and define motor competence a greater emphasis on balance, coordination and control examples from children of how movement is dependent on planning, sequencing and organising more practical activities that can form the basis of a programme to support the children. Practical strategies are provided throughout this authoritative book, so that teachers and other professionals can identify and understand movement difficulties, are empowered to support the children, and work effectively with the parents.

Is your child unusually clumsy? Does he have difficulty holding his spoon or fork properly when eating? Does his room look like a tornado just swept through? Is he having trouble with the basics of movement and coordination? Dyspraxia is a medical condition that affects many, often times without the parents even being aware of what the condition is. Nevertheless, if your child is diagnosed early enough and gets some extra help from you along the way, there is a good chance that he can manage the dyspraxia and live a perfectly normal and happy life. As a parent, you're going to need all the information you can get to better understand your child's condition so that you can learn how to help. Furthermore, having a full understanding of dyspraxia will also make it easier for siblings and other family members to adjust and accommodate your child's needs. This book is going to provide you with lots of important information about dyspraxia, its causes, symptoms, and effects. And most importantly, you'll gain plenty of information on how you can help support your child in the process of managing his dyspraxia while living a quality life.

Drawing on their considerable experiences of the syndrome, as well as current research findings, the authors help teachers and other education professionals to better understand the needs of a dyspraxic child. Through practical strategies, they show how teachers can make all the difference to a child's ability to succeed in the classroom, and case studies show how parents, teachers and therapists can work together to facilitate learning. Whilst providing a unique insight and approach to the complex condition of dyspraxia, this lively, informative text also examines specific cases and scenarios, considering the perspectives of teachers and parents. It handles a range of crucial topics such as: * issues surrounding diagnosis * the developmental differences and characteristics of dyspraxia * conventional and alternative intervention strategies * an exploration of the pressure of families * ways of improving home/school liaison. Teachers, SENCOs and other educational professionals will find this book provides a wealth of essential information and guidance, whilst parents will also find much to support them in the daily care and welfare of their child.

This fully-updated second edition of Helping Children with Dyspraxia has been revised to reflect current practice and developments, providing clear and positive answers to questions commonly asked by parents and teachers about dyspraxia. Maureen Boon draws on her considerable experience of working with children with movement disorders to identify the characteristics of dyspraxia, explaining assessment procedures and identifying what can be done to help. New reflections appear on concepts such as physical literacy and whether or not incidence of dyspraxia has increased, and in an overview of the characteristics and causes of the condition, a comprehensive update on how it is identified and assessed is provided. Terminology is reviewed, and the full range of therapeutic interventions that are available are outlined. New case studies and photographs are used to illustrate successful interventions in practice, and a helpful appendix with up-to-date details of useful publications, programmes, equipment and organisations is also included. Understanding Dyspraxia is a concise yet comprehensive handbook for parents and teachers. Its clear structure and practical, positive advice will make it an invaluable resource for anyone involved with a dyspraxic child.

Written by a teenager with dyspraxia, this is a humorous and inspiring practical guide for young adults with dyspraxia and those around them trying to get to grips with the physical, social and psychological chaos caused by developmental co-ordination disorders (DCDs). In her own conversational style, Victoria Biggs explains the primary effects of dyspraxia - disorganization, clumsiness and poor short-term memory - as well as other difficulties that dyspraxic teenagers encounter, such as bullying and low self-esteem. Peppered with personal stories from other teens, this award-winning book offers down-to-earth advice on a wide range of adolescent issues, from puberty, health and hygiene to family life and making friends. The new edition includes an update from the author on her university and work experiences and how dyspraxia affects her now as an adult. Her positive approach and profound empathy with others in her situation make this book a must-read.

All About Dyspraxia follows in the best-selling footsteps of Kathy Hoopmann's All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum and All Dogs have ADHD. Through engaging text and full-colour photographs, this book shows how people with dyspraxia see and experience the world and highlights the unique characteristics that make them special. A perfect introduction to dyspraxia for those recently diagnosed with the condition, as well as their families, friends, and the people who work with them. People with dyspraxia will also appreciate the book for the way it shares their perspectives on life with care and gentle humour.

Offers practical strategies and advice for helping children with coordination difficulties.