It’s not unusual for kids to be a little clumsy. But when children are notably uncoordinated compared to their peers — dropping things a lot, bumping into things, or struggling to hold a pencil — and aren’t meeting important milestones for motor development, they may have developmental coordination disorder (DCD), or dyspraxia.

This week at childmind.org, we’re taking a closer look at dyspraxia, a learning disorder that can affect not only motor functioning but also motor planning, which involves figuring out the order of steps involved in a task, like tying shoes. We also have information on related disorders like dysgraphia, which makes it difficult for kids to write, and how to recognize early signs of LDs in young children. If you’re concerned about your child, they can be diagnosed through a neuropsychological evaluation. Kids are often referred to an occupational therapist, who can help them build skills and confidence.

— Molly Hagan, Staff Writer | ✉