Not every child with these signs has dyspraxia, but ongoing coordination difficulties across several areas are worth taking seriously.
Early signs (toddler / pre-school)
- Delayed crawling or walking
- Difficulty feeding themselves or using cutlery
- Trouble stacking blocks or using toys
- Frequent bumping into things, falling more than expected
- Avoiding climbing or playground equipment
- Difficulty learning to jump or pedal
- Struggling with dressing
- Messy eating
- Difficulty with puzzles
- Poor balance, awkward movement
Primary school signs
- Poor or slow handwriting
- Difficulty using scissors, rulers, pencils
- Trouble with buttons, zips, shoelaces
- Messy school bag or desk; losing equipment
- Dropping things, spilling drinks
- Difficulty catching, kicking or throwing
- Avoiding PE or playground games
- Bumping into people or furniture
- Difficulty sitting upright; tiring quickly
- Trouble copying from the board
- Difficulty getting changed for PE
- Becoming frustrated or embarrassed by physical tasks
Secondary school signs
- Slow or painful handwriting
- Difficulty taking notes quickly
- Poor organisation; losing equipment; forgotten homework
- Struggling in PE, practicals, art, science labs
- Trouble finding classrooms; clumsiness in busy corridors
- Difficulty with ties or uniform fastenings
- Poor time management
- Avoiding sports or clubs
- Fatigue after school
- Anxiety about being judged; low self-esteem
Teenagers often hide difficulties by joking, avoiding, refusing, rushing or pretending not to care. If a bright young person suddenly avoids physical or written tasks, that is information — not "attitude".
Sensory and emotional clues
Many people with dyspraxia also experience sensory differences (seeking or avoiding movement, struggling with certain textures, becoming overwhelmed in busy spaces) and significant fatigue — because tasks that look automatic to others take enormous mental effort.
What to do next
If several patterns ring true, speak to the class teacher and SENCO, and ask your GP or health visitor whether a referral to an occupational therapist would help. See the next topic for the full pathway.