Apraxia and Dyspraxia- What’s the Difference?

Apraxia and Dyspraxia

Many people may see these two terms: apraxia and dyspraxia, and think what is the difference?

Apraxia is…

When someone loses the full ability to do something
Shoe tying example:
- Won’t be able to tie their shoes at all
Signs of apraxia
- Speech difficulties
- Trouble with eating
- Drawing & coping difficulties
- Difficulties sequencing of steps

Dyspraxia is…

When someone only loses part of the ability to do something
Shoe tying example:
- Will have the ability to tie their shoes
- But may struggle with coordinating their movements in order to perform the act successfully
Signs of dyspraxia
- Struggling to plan movements
- Poor body awareness within environments
- Clumsiness
- Low confidence
- Handwriting difficulties

Examples of Apraxia and Dyspraxia Effects on…

Gross motor skills
- Running, Walking
Fine motor skills
- Writing
- Grasp
Speech
Praxis/ Motor planning
- Planning and executing movements with coordination
Completing daily activities (ADLs)
- Getting dressed
- Eating
- Toileting

How OT Can Work on Apraxia and Dyspraxia

Occupational therapists can use their knowledge and creative skills to help increase confidence in those with apraxia or dyspraxia. This increase in confidence can be done through different interventions and methods tailored to the child and their interests and goals. In OT the child can work on methods that work best for them in order to increase their success within ADLs. Occupational therapists can also educate parents and caregivers on ways to incorporate these methods into routines at home or at school.

How to Treat Apraxia and Dyspraxia:

Handwriting interventions
- Highlighted paper
  - Highlighted OT Handwriting Paper

- Sensory feedback
  - Making letters or words with our finger in sand or shaving cream
- Sensory input
  - Vibrating pens
- Raised line paper

Trouble with sequencing of steps
- Breaking down steps
- Increasing sensory processing (can be done through an obstacle course)
- Working on how to plan and execute steps
Low confidence
- Focusing on things the child is good at
- Art activities:
  - Ex: Drawing a picture of themselves and writing words around it that describe why they are a good friend
- Giving strategies for positive self-talk
Spatial awareness/ motor planning
- Obstacle courses
- Throwing bean bags or a ball at a target

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