---
title: What is dyspraxia?
description: "Dyspraxia refers to lifelong trouble motor skills, balance, and coordination. Get basic information on dyspraxia signs, treatment, and diagnosis. \n"
slug: understanding-dyspraxia
author: Gail Belsky
reviewer: Bob Cunningham, EdM
published: '2019-08-05T15:11:23.341Z'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/B4E48E4DE31043919C13D7126A4BF0F4/73adfdf9c470c443cf2612ca4f9f1307/i930495636.jpg
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-dyspraxia
lang: en
---

# What is dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia is a term that refers to lifelong trouble with movement and coordination. It’s not a formal diagnosis. But you may still hear people use this term, especially in the U.K. The formal diagnosis is [developmental coordination disorder](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-developmental-coordination-disorder-dcd) (DCD). 

People with these challenges can struggle with balance, coordination, and motor skills. These include:

- Fine motor skills (for making small movements like using a pencil)
- Gross motor skills (for making large movements like kicking a ball)
- Motor planning (for doing multi-step tasks like tying a shoe)

The difficulties usually don’t exist on their own. People often have other challenges, too, including:

- ADHD
- Transcription and handwriting difficulties, like dysgraphia
- Sensory processing issues
- Mental health issues, like anxiety
- Slow processing speed
- Autism

Struggles with motor skills can impact learning, working, and daily living. But people with dyspraxia are just as smart as other people. And there are many ways to help at home, at school, and on the job.

---

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