Dyspraxia: Neurodivergence’s poor relation?

The 2020s have brought a welcome surge in awareness of neurodivergence.

Autism. ADHD. Dyslexia.

These are now widely recognised – and increasingly understood.

But what about dyspraxia?

Some people can guess its meaning from its Greek roots. Most can’t. More often than not, when I use the word “dyspraxia”, I’m met with a blank look – even from well-educated professionals and academics. I tend not to use the other name – Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) – but I’m confident the looks would be equally vacant.

My fear is that a hierarchy of neurodivergence is beginning to form – one that leaves dyspraxia near the bottom.

In that hierarchy, people go unseen. Unrecognised. Undiagnosed. Unsupported.

I worry they’ll repeat the experience of my adolescence and early adulthood: struggling with their mental health without understanding why.

Even now, as I type, “dyspraxic” is underlined in red. What better indicator of our enduring obscurity?

My aim in writing this blog – and building the wider website – is simple: to raise awareness.

The more clinicians, educators, and parents understand what to look for, the more likely dyspraxic people are to be recognised, diagnosed, and supported to thrive.

If you know someone who would benefit from learning about dyspraxia, please share this blog with them.