Fiducia TogetherDevelopmental coordination disorder
Difficulty with physical coordination affecting everyday tasks. Often called dyspraxia.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
Developmental coordination disorder, commonly called dyspraxia, affects the coordination of movement — handwriting, dressing, using cutlery, PE, organisation and spatial awareness.
Where it applies
Children and adults. It frequently occurs alongside other neurodevelopmental conditions.
How it works
Its effects reach well beyond PE: handwriting speed and legibility, organisation of equipment, and fatigue from effort that is automatic for others.
Support typically comes from occupational therapy in school and from adaptations to how work is recorded.
What you can ask for
Ask for handwriting to be assessed for speed as well as legibility — slow handwriting is an access arrangement case for extra time or a word processor.
Ask for practical adaptations: a sloping board, a pencil grip, typing instead of writing, extra time to change for PE.
Ask for an occupational therapy referral where daily living skills are affected.
Where to get help
The Dyspraxia Foundation, and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. SENDIASS for free local advice, and IPSEA or Contact nationally.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.