Dyspraxia

The learning disorder of dyspraxia involves difficulties with motor skills. Simple tasks such as combing hair or waving goodbye are taxing for those with this disorder. Learning disorders such as dyspraxia can become so frustrating to the sufferers. The ability to perform certain movements and gestures is a difficult chore. Dyspraxia, one of developmental disorders, has the following characteristics: trouble determining left from right, difficulty with phonation, slow language development and problems with correct pencil grip.

How to Treat Learning Disabilities

The treatment of learning disorders is best accomplished by occupational or speech therapists that have the extensive training and knowledge to identify the specific disorder and formulate a plan of action. Therapists treat disorders by giving instruction on learning skills based on the child’s abilities while correcting the targeted behavior or actions. For example, an occupational therapist treating the disorder of dysgraphia would teach letter formation combined with directional sequence. Additionally, the therapist might give the parents activities the child can do at home to help treat the disorder. For example, activities such as baking, making crafts and playing sports is beneficial in improving motor skills. Visual memory can be improved by playing cards, marbles and jacks. Dyspraxia is also treated by speech and language therapists, but the goal is to help the child to gain control over speech muscles so that controlled sounds can be made at will. Remedial teachers may assists with a child with dyspraxia with individualized instruction. Parents of a child with dyspraxia can help the child’s program by having the child perform simple chores such as dressing himself, brushing his teeth or making his bed each day.