| Developmental dyspraxia is a disorder affecting | | | | the patient performs in the daily tasks of life. |
| motion and speech. It mimics some other | | | | Some children can barely speak and bump into |
| diseases, such as cerebral palsy, mental | | | | objects regularly when walking. Others only have |
| retardation, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, | | | | mild ticks of speech and movement. Occupational |
| and other similar conditions. However, it mainly | | | | and speech therapy from an early age can help |
| affects children, though its symptoms can persist | | | | alleviate some of these symptoms, but at least |
| into adulthood. | | | | some signs of the disease are likely to persist |
| The diagnosis of developmental dyspraxia has | | | | throughout the child's life. |
| existed for more than a century. However, there | | | | Contrary to what some people may think, |
| has often been disagreement among professionals | | | | developmental dyspraxia is not mental retardation |
| as to exactly what symptoms constitute a | | | | or attention deficit disorder. It seems to be |
| definite diagnosis of this disorder. It is also still not | | | | caused by a defect in the motor neurons that |
| known whether the disorder is genetic or caused | | | | affect their ability to properly transmit signals to |
| by some external factor. That is why there is | | | | the brain. No one knows exactly why there is a |
| much research still being done into this condition | | | | defect in this area, but it is encouraging to see |
| and how to treat it. | | | | the strides made by children who have it when |
| What is known is that it CAN be treated, though | | | | they engage in regular therapy. Some may go on |
| the results of that treatment can vary widely. | | | | to lead independent lives, while others may always |
| Some people have more severe developmental | | | | need some help in their daily tasks. However, |
| dyspraxia than others. The degree of impairment | | | | proper therapy can increase independence and, |
| will determine the treatment as well as how well | | | | most importantly, self-esteem. |