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 , and ask your or health visitor whether a referral to an occupational therapist would help. See the next topic for the full pathway.