Occupational Therapy for Dyspraxia

Understanding Dyspraxia and How Occupational Therapy Helps

Dyspraxia, clinically known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), is a neurological condition that affects a child’s ability to plan, organise, and carry out physical movements. It involves a fundamental difficulty with motor planning: the brain’s ability to conceive, organise, and execute a sequence of unfamiliar actions. Even when a child understands what they need to do, translating that understanding into coordinated movement remains a significant challenge.

Affecting approximately 5 to 6 percent of school-aged children in Australia, dyspraxia is not related to intelligence. Children with dyspraxia are often bright and capable, yet they struggle with tasks their peers manage effortlessly. Dyspraxia occupational therapy is considered the primary intervention for this condition, and our registered occupational therapists at ASTRAD use evidence-based approaches to help children develop the motor planning skills and strategies they need.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Dyspraxia Occupational Therapy

Children with dyspraxia present with a range of challenges affecting daily functioning. Recognising these signs early is important, as timely intervention can make a significant difference. Common indicators include:

• Difficulty learning new motor tasks such as riding a bike, skipping, or catching a ball
• Messy or illegible handwriting despite effort and practice
• Trouble with fine motor tasks like buttons, scissors, or zippers
• Poor balance and coordination, leading to frequent tripping or bumping into objects
• Difficulty with self-care routines including dressing, tying shoelaces, and using cutlery

If your child is experiencing several of these challenges, a comprehensive occupational therapy assessment can determine whether dyspraxia is contributing to their difficulties.

Our Evidence-Based Approach to Dyspraxia Occupational Therapy

At ASTRAD, our occupational therapists use evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to each child’s unique presentation. Dyspraxia affects every child differently, so treatment plans are always individualised based on detailed assessment and collaborative goal-setting with families.

Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP)

The CO-OP approach teaches children cognitive strategies through a “Goal-Plan-Do-Check” framework that they can apply across multiple motor tasks. This empowers children to become active problem-solvers, generalising their learning to new activities and environments.

Task-Specific Training

Task-specific training involves practising the actual functional skills your child needs to master, whether handwriting, getting dressed, or using playground equipment. Skills learned in context transfer more readily to daily life.

Sensory Integration Therapy

Many children with dyspraxia also experience sensory processing difficulties. Our occupational therapists use sensory integration techniques to help children better process proprioceptive, vestibular, and tactile information, providing a stronger foundation for motor planning.

Handwriting Intervention Programmes

Our therapists implement structured handwriting programmes addressing the motor planning challenges behind letter formation, pencil grip, spacing, and writing speed. We also explore assistive technology options when appropriate.

Conditions That Commonly Co-occur with Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia frequently co-occurs with other neurodevelopmental conditions. Common co-occurring conditions include:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Sensory processing disorder
• Developmental delay

Our occupational therapists are experienced in working with children who present with multiple co-occurring conditions, ensuring therapy addresses the full picture of your child’s needs.

Mobile Dyspraxia Occupational Therapy Across Australia

ASTRAD’s mobile occupational therapy service delivers dyspraxia support directly to your child’s natural environments, including homes, schools, childcare centres, and community settings across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. Practising motor skills in the settings where they are needed leads to better skill transfer and more meaningful progress.

Our registered occupational therapists work closely with families, educators, and other health professionals to create a coordinated support network around each child.

NDIS Funding for Dyspraxia Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy for dyspraxia is a commonly funded support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). If your child has an NDIS plan, dyspraxia occupational therapy may be included under Capacity Building or Core Supports. Our team can assist with understanding your plan and ensuring your child receives the therapy they need.

We also work with families who are self-funded or accessing therapy through private health insurance. Contact our team on (07) 3477 9366 to discuss your options and book an initial assessment.