Dyspraxia in Children and Adults
As an FCA-authorised UK broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands the importance of clear health information. This guide explains dyspraxia (DCD) and the role private medical insurance and private healthcare can play in supporting you and your family on this journey.
WeCovr explains developmental coordination disorder and private support pathways
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), more commonly known as dyspraxia, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects physical coordination. It causes a child or adult to perform less well in daily activities than expected for their age. It isn't a sign of low intelligence; in fact, people with dyspraxia are often of average or above-average intelligence. But they struggle with the planning of movements and carrying them out in the correct sequence.
Imagine your brain is the command centre for your body. For most people, when the brain sends an instruction—like 'pick up that pen'—the message travels smoothly to the muscles, which then perform the action. For someone with dyspraxia, that messaging system can be a bit scrambled. The intent and the idea are there, but the execution can be clumsy, slow, or uncoordinated.
According to the Dyspraxia Foundation, it is thought to affect at least 5% of the school-aged population, meaning there is likely one child with the condition in every classroom. While it's often diagnosed in childhood, dyspraxia is a lifelong condition, and its challenges persist into adulthood.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Dyspraxia?
The signs of dyspraxia can look different at various stages of life. While one child might struggle with cutlery, an adult might find driving or DIY projects particularly challenging.
Here’s a breakdown of common signs you might notice:
In Pre-School Children (Ages 3-5):
- Late to reach developmental milestones like rolling over, sitting, or walking.
- Often bumps into furniture or people.
- Difficulty with playground equipment like climbing frames or slides.
- Struggles to hold a crayon or use scissors.
- Trouble with puzzles or shape-sorting toys.
- May be slow to learn how to dress themselves or use a knife and fork.
In School-Aged Children (Ages 5-12):
- Difficulties in PE classes; may struggle to catch a ball, jump, or run.
- Messy, slow, or laboured handwriting.
- Challenges with tying shoelaces, doing up buttons, or using zips.
- Can appear disorganised, often losing or forgetting things.
- May struggle to follow multi-step instructions.
- Can be sensitive to noise, light, or touch.
- Might find it hard to make friends due to difficulties joining in with games.
In Teenagers and Adults:
- Poor posture and balance.
- Difficulty learning new practical skills like driving a car or playing a musical instrument.
- Challenges with tasks requiring fine motor skills, such as cooking, shaving, or applying makeup.
- Poor time management and organisational skills.
- Tendency to speak in a rushed or erratic manner.
- May struggle with spatial awareness, leading to bumping into things.
- Difficulty distinguishing left from right.
It's important to remember that dyspraxia often co-exists with other learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
| Age Group | Common Physical Signs | Common Organisational/Social Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-School | Clumsiness, difficulty with stairs, trouble with simple jigsaws. | Slow to learn dressing, avoids playground games, may seem frustrated. |
| Primary School | Poor handwriting, struggles with PE, difficulty with cutlery. | Forgetful, disorganised desk/bag, struggles to copy from the board. |
| Teenagers | Awkward gait, trouble with sports, messy when eating. | Poor time management, difficulty planning essays, may avoid social events. |
| Adults | Difficulty driving or cooking, struggles with DIY tasks. | Poor personal organisation, misses deadlines, finds open-plan offices stressful. |
How Dyspraxia Affects Daily Life
The impact of dyspraxia goes far beyond simple clumsiness. It can weave its way into every aspect of a person's life, creating daily hurdles that others might not even notice.
For a Child:
- At School: A child might dread PE because they can't keep up, or feel embarrassed by their messy handwriting. Copying notes from the board can be a race against time, leaving them behind the rest of the class. This can lead to frustration and a reluctance to go to school.
- At Home: Simple tasks like getting dressed can be a source of morning stress. Mealtimes might be messy, and homework can take hours longer than it should.
- Socially: Difficulty joining in with playground games can lead to social isolation. Other children might misunderstand their clumsiness, leading to teasing or exclusion.
For an Adult:
- At Work: An open-plan office can be a sensory nightmare. Juggling deadlines, organising tasks, and even typing an email can be draining. This can impact career progression and lead to high levels of work-related stress.
- At Home: Everyday chores like cooking (which involves chopping, measuring, and timing), assembling flat-pack furniture, or even just keeping the house tidy can feel overwhelming.
- Personal Life: Learning to drive can be a significant and expensive challenge. The social anxiety that may have developed in childhood can persist, making new relationships and social situations difficult to navigate.
The constant effort required to perform tasks that others find simple can be mentally and physically exhausting. This can lead to significant emotional consequences, including low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
The Diagnostic Pathway for Dyspraxia in the UK
If you suspect that you or your child has dyspraxia, getting a formal diagnosis is the first step towards getting the right support. In the UK, there are two main pathways: through the NHS or privately.
1. The NHS Pathway
The journey to an NHS diagnosis typically starts with your GP.
- Visit Your GP: Discuss your concerns with your GP (or your child's GP). They will ask about developmental history and the specific difficulties you're observing.
- Referral: If the GP agrees that an assessment is warranted, they will refer you. For a child, this is usually to a community paediatrician or a child development centre. For an adult, the pathway can be less clear, but a referral may be made to an occupational therapist or a neurologist.
- Assessment: The specialist team, which often includes an occupational therapist (OT) and/or a physiotherapist, will conduct a series of assessments. These tests evaluate gross motor skills (like balance and jumping) and fine motor skills (like handwriting and using tools).
- Diagnosis: Based on the assessment results and developmental history, the team will determine if the criteria for DCD are met.
- Pros: The service is free at the point of use.
- Cons: NHS waiting lists for developmental assessments can be very long. According to NHS England data, waiting times for community paediatric services can stretch for many months, varying significantly by region. This delay can be frustrating for families seeking support.
2. The Private Pathway
For those who want to avoid long waiting lists, a private diagnosis is an alternative.
- Find a Specialist: You can find a qualified private specialist directly. This is typically a paediatrician specialising in neurodevelopment, an educational psychologist, or a private occupational therapist with expertise in DCD. You can ask your GP for a private referral letter, though it's not always necessary.
- Assessment: You will pay for a comprehensive diagnostic assessment. This will be very similar to the NHS assessment, involving standardised tests and a detailed clinical interview.
- Report and Diagnosis: You will receive a detailed report outlining the findings and, if applicable, a formal diagnosis. This report can be shared with your child's school or your employer to arrange for support and reasonable adjustments.
| Feature | NHS Pathway | Private Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free of charge | £600 – £1,500+ for a full assessment |
| Waiting Time | Can be many months to over a year | Typically a few weeks |
| Referral | GP referral is mandatory | Self-referral is often possible |
| Choice of Specialist | You see the specialist assigned by the trust | You can choose your own specialist |
| Outcome | Diagnosis and report, with potential access to NHS therapy (subject to waits) | Detailed report, diagnosis, and recommendations for private therapy |
Does Private Medical Insurance Cover Dyspraxia?
This is a crucial question for many families, and the answer requires a clear understanding of how private medical insurance (PMI) works in the UK.
In short, standard private medical insurance policies do not cover dyspraxia.
This is because PMI is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are short-term and likely to respond quickly to treatment. Examples include infections, broken bones, or the need for a hernia repair.
Dyspraxia, on the other hand, is classified as a chronic and congenital condition.
- Congenital/Developmental: It is a condition you are born with and that becomes apparent during development. PMI policies almost universally exclude congenital abnormalities and developmental problems.
- Chronic: It is a long-term condition that requires ongoing management rather than a one-off cure. PMI is not designed for the long-term management of chronic conditions. The NHS is structured to provide this care.
Any symptoms of poor coordination or developmental delay that existed before you took out a private health cover policy would also be considered a pre-existing condition, which would be excluded from cover.
What Does This Mean in Practice?
- You cannot use a standard PMI policy to pay for a private dyspraxia assessment.
- You cannot use it to pay for ongoing therapies like occupational therapy or physiotherapy specifically for dyspraxia.
At WeCovr, we believe in transparency. As an expert PMI broker, we help clients understand these important distinctions. It’s vital to know what your policy covers, but just as important to know what it doesn’t. While PMI won't cover dyspraxia, it provides invaluable peace of mind and fast access to treatment for a huge range of other health concerns that you or your child might face.
Accessing Private Support and Therapies for Dyspraxia
Even though you can't fund it with insurance, paying for private support is often the fastest way to help someone with dyspraxia develop coping strategies and build confidence. The goal of therapy isn't to 'cure' dyspraxia, but to minimise its impact on daily life.
Here are the most effective private therapies:
-
Occupational Therapy (OT): This is the cornerstone of dyspraxia support. An OT will work on practical skills to make daily life easier. This could involve:
- Fine Motor Skills: Activities to improve handwriting, buttoning clothes, or using cutlery.
- Gross Motor Skills: Exercises to improve balance, coordination for sports, and posture.
- Sensory Integration: Helping to manage sensitivity to touch, noise, or other sensory inputs.
- Task Breakdown: Teaching how to break down complex activities (like cooking a meal) into manageable steps.
-
Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can help improve core strength, posture, balance, and general physical fitness, which are often areas of weakness for people with dyspraxia.
-
Speech and Language Therapy (SALT): If dyspraxia affects the muscles around the mouth, a SALT can help with clarity of speech, as well as the pace and rhythm of talking.
-
Counselling or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This can be incredibly beneficial for dealing with the secondary emotional effects of dyspraxia, such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and social phobia.
| Therapy Type | Focus Area | Typical Private Cost (per session) |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy | Daily living skills, motor skills, sensory processing. | £80 – £150 |
| Physiotherapy | Core strength, balance, posture, coordination. | £50 – £100 |
| Speech & Language Therapy | Clarity of speech, articulation, language processing. | £70 – £140 |
| Counselling / CBT | Anxiety, self-esteem, coping mechanisms. | £60 – £120 |
Practical Strategies for Managing Dyspraxia
Alongside formal therapies, there are many practical adjustments you can make at home, school, and work to support someone with dyspraxia.
For Parents and Children
- Break It Down: Break instructions and tasks into small, single steps. Use "First... then..." language.
- Use Visuals: Checklists, picture schedules, and visual timers can help with organisation and routine.
- Allow Extra Time: Rushing creates stress and makes coordination worse. Allow plenty of time for tasks like getting dressed in the morning.
- Adapt and Overcome: Use adaptive tools like pencil grips, spring-loaded scissors, or Velcro shoes.
- Work with the School: Liaise with the school's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). A child with a diagnosis may be entitled to support like using a laptop in class, having extra time in exams, or receiving copies of lesson notes.
- Focus on Strengths: Celebrate their successes and encourage hobbies where they can excel, which may be more creative or intellectual than physical.
For Adults
- Embrace Technology: Use calendar apps, reminders, and project management tools to stay organised. Voice-to-text software can be a lifesaver for writing reports or long emails.
- Workplace Adjustments: In the UK, dyspraxia is recognised under the Equality Act 2010. You can request 'reasonable adjustments' from your employer. This might include noise-cancelling headphones, a quieter desk location, or specialised software. The government's Access to Work scheme can help fund this.
- Driving: Look for driving instructors who specialise in teaching pupils with dyspraxia. An automatic car is often easier to manage than a manual.
- Find Your Sport: Don't give up on exercise. Activities that focus on individual progress and body awareness, like swimming, yoga, Pilates, or martial arts, are often more suitable and enjoyable than team ball sports.
Health and Wellness Tips
A healthy lifestyle can help manage some of the challenges associated with dyspraxia.
- Diet: A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in oily fish, nuts, and seeds) is good for overall brain health and may help with concentration.
- Sleep: A consistent sleep schedule is vital. Poor sleep can worsen coordination, fogginess, and emotional regulation.
- Mindfulness: Simple mindfulness or breathing exercises can help manage the anxiety and stress that often accompany dyspraxia.
Finding the Best Private Health Cover for Your Family's Needs
While private medical insurance UK won't pay for dyspraxia support, it remains a cornerstone of comprehensive family healthcare. Having a robust PMI policy means that for any other new, acute medical issue—from a sports injury to needing a tonsillectomy or requiring cancer care—you have a pathway to fast diagnosis and private treatment.
This frees up your emotional and financial resources to focus on targeted support for developmental needs like dyspraxia.
Furthermore, many modern PMI policies come with valuable added benefits that can indirectly support a family living with dyspraxia:
- Digital GP: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call is incredibly convenient for any health query.
- Mental Health Support: Most leading providers now include access to telephone counselling or a set number of therapy sessions for conditions like anxiety and stress, which can be a lifeline.
- Wellness Perks: Discounts on gym memberships can make activities like swimming or yoga more affordable. Some insurers, like Vitality, actively reward healthy habits.
At WeCovr, we not only help you compare the best PMI providers but also add extra value. Our clients get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, and can receive discounts on other insurance policies when they purchase health or life insurance through us. Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to finding the right solution for every client, without any broker fees.
Do I need to declare dyspraxia when applying for private medical insurance?
Can private medical insurance help with getting a faster diagnosis for my child's coordination issues?
If PMI doesn't cover dyspraxia, is it still worth having?
Navigating the world of healthcare can be complex, especially when managing a long-term condition. While private medical insurance doesn't cover dyspraxia, it secures your family's health for all the other bumps in the road.
Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will help you compare the UK's leading insurers and find a policy that gives you and your loved ones the protection you deserve.
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
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• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
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Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
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Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
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Advanced Treatments
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Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
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Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
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It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
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