Developmental disorder often hard to diagnose

By REBECCA WALSH health reporter

Jonathan Edwards wears velcro shoes because he can't tie his laces. He prefers the sandpit to Lego and is more likely to be the kid who knocks over his drink or bangs into the play equipment.

Try to teach him something new and he will struggle. But give him a chance to practise and he can learn.

Jonathan, 5 1/2, is among an estimated 7 per cent of children who have dyspraxia, a neurologically based developmental disorder, which means he has trouble planning and co-ordinating movement.

Like many other children with the disorder he also has language difficulties. He can understand what others are saying but he can't always communicate what he is thinking or feeling.

Diane Edwards was devastated when she found her son had dyspraxia.

"For the first year I was totally and utterly depressed. Every time I thought about it I burst into tears. The dreams you have for your child, you have to alter them."

She and her husband, both doctors, began to realise something was wrong when Jonathan was late to reach milestones such as walking and talking.

Specialist visits followed by an MRI scan did not reveal anything was wrong. It was a developmental paediatrician who eventually made the diagnosis.

Today marks the first dyspraxia awareness day in New Zealand.

Dyspraxia, which used to be known as clumsy child syndrome, is often the symptom of another disorder such as mild cerebral palsy or epilepsy. Its effects can be mild to severe and it can have a profound impact on children's physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.

Aside from language and motor skill difficulties, children with dyspraxia may find it hard forming friendships and reading people's faces and situations.

Judy Davies, national co-ordinator of the Dyspraxia Support Group, which sends newsletters to about 800 people here and overseas, describes dyspraxia as the "hidden handicap".

"When you see these children running around in the playground with their peers doing familiar things they have done 100 times, they look the same. It's when you challenge them or try to teach them new things that the difficulties show up.

"People don't see the need for help as much as they should."

Dr Warwick Smith, a general and developmental paediatrician, said that because of the range and severity of symptoms dyspraxia was under-reported.

A number of factors, including the severity of the disorder, a child's ability to cope and adapt, and the support he or she received, would contribute to their ability to lead "fulfilled" lives, he said.

But he said there was not enough support available for those with more severe difficulties.

Jonathan attends the Takapuna Language Unit at Takapuna Primary School. He also has regular occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy, as children with dyspraxia often have poor muscle tone.

Dr Edwards said Jonathan's language ability continued to improve and ideally he would be in the unit for two years before going into a mainstream class.

Despite the hardships, Dr Edwards said she would not change a thing.

"He's a wonderful child and has the sweetest nature."

She advised parents who thought their child might have dyspraxia to push for an assessment and join a support group.

Hidden handicap

* Today is national dyspraxia day

* Dyspraxia is when some of the connections in the brain are not working properly. That makes it hard for your body to do what your brain tells it to

* It shows up as people having trouble speaking clearly, writing, concentrating or playing sports

* If you want help contact: National co-ordinator: (03) 359-7072, The Dyspraxia Support Group of NZ