Research shows that the average age of dyspraxia diagnosis is 7 to 8 years old for both boys and girls. But experts reveal that the condition may not be diagnosed until age 22 in life for girls and age 17 for boys. So, it tends to be more common for boys to be diagnosed earlier than girls, but why? There are several tested theories as to why this is the case, but one of the most likely explanations is that dyspraxia in women manifests differently than in men. It’s not that women are less likely to have dyspraxia, but rather that the condition may present itself in a less obvious way. Before we get into how dyspraxia may differ between the sexes, let’s first take a look at what dyspraxia is and why it’s important to be aware of the condition.

What is dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia is a neurological disorder that can impact an individual’s ability to plan and execute motor tasks. . In other words, it affects the ability to perform coordinated movements that depend on muscles. Walking, talking, picking up objects, running, dressing, and eating can be difficult for someone with dyspraxia. The condition can be mild or adverse and often co-occurs with other conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression. While the exact cause of dyspraxia is unknown, it is thought to be related to problems in the way that messages are sent from the brain to the body. This can impact an individual’s ability to plan and execute coordinated movements.

How is dyspraxia different in women?

Dyspraxia in women may be less obvious than in men for a few reasons. First, girls tend to be better at masking their difficulties. They often find ways to work around their difficulties and may not show signs of dyspraxia until they’re older. Second, girls tend to mature faster than boys, both physically and cognitively. This means that they may be better able to mask the symptoms of dyspraxia. Finally, girls tend to be more verbal than boys, which can help them compensate for any difficulties they have with verbal skills associated with verbal dyspraxia. The following list provides more characteristics that may be seen in girls with dyspraxia:

• Challenge with fine motor skills such as writing & buttoning clothes
• difficulty with gross motor skills such as running and climbing
• problems with hand-eye coordination
• trouble with spatial awareness
• issues with balance and coordination
• Difficulty with short-term memory

It’s essential to remember that every individual with dyspraxia is different and will experience the condition in their way. If you think your daughter may have dyspraxia, it’s important to talk to her doctor. They can help you get a diagnosis and develop a plan to manage the condition.

Treatment

There is lots of research out there that continues to uncover the condition’s root cause. For example, one study found that the disorder may be caused by an imbalance in the brain’s neurotransmitters. In this case, treatment may focus on correcting the neurotransmitter imbalance. Other research suggests that dyspraxia may be caused by problems with how myelin is produced in the brain. Myelin sheath is a type of insulation that covers nerve cells and helps them send signals. If this insulation isn’t working properly, it can impact an individual’s ability to coordinate movements. Treatment for this type of dyspraxia may focus on ways to improve myelin production.

Medication

The FDA currently approves no medication to treat dyspraxia specifically. However, some medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms associated with the condition. 

Therapy

Several different types of therapies may be helpful for individuals with dyspraxia. These may include:

occupational therapy: 

This type of therapy can help individuals with dyspraxia learn ways to compensate for their impairments. It can also teach them how to perform everyday tasks more efficiently.

physical therapy: 

Physical therapy can help improve strength and coordination and help individuals learn how to move their bodies more efficiently.

speech therapy: 

Speech therapy can help individuals with dyspraxia learn to produce speech sounds more accurately. It can also help them improve their verbal communication skills.

cognitive behavioural therapy: 

This therapy can help individuals with dyspraxia manage the symptoms. 

Social skills training

Social skills training can be helpful for individuals with dyspraxia. This training can teach them how to interact with others more effectively. It can also help them learn how to manage their emotions and cope with the challenges of the condition.