Free Dyspraxia Checklist for Children – Signs, Motor Skills, and Support Strategies

In short, Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a neurodivergent condition that affects a child’s ability to plan and coordinate physical movements. Children with dyspraxia may experience difficulties with motor skills, balance, coordination, and everyday tasks such as writing, dressing, or using utensils, despite having average or above-average intelligence. Dyspraxia represents a difference in how the brain processes and executes movement, rather than a lack of ability.

Signs of Dyspraxia in Children

Children with dyspraxia may show some of the following signs:

• Clumsiness or frequent tripping, bumping into objects, or appearing uncoordinated.

• Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil, writing neatly, or using scissors.

• Challenges with gross motor skills, like running, jumping, or climbing.

• Poor balance, trouble standing on one foot, or struggling with activities that require coordination (e.g., riding a bike).

• Difficulty with daily tasks like dressing, brushing teeth, or tying shoelaces.

• Struggles with spatial awareness, such as judging distances or using space effectively.

• Fatigue during physical activities due to extra effort required for motor planning and coordination.

• Avoidance of physical activities or games that require complex movements.

How to Support a Child with Dyspraxia

• Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps: For complex activities like dressing or writing, break them down into simple, sequential actions.

• Provide opportunities for movement: Incorporate activities like obstacle courses, balance exercises, or dancing to improve coordination and motor skills.

• Use visual aids: Visual schedules, step-by-step guides, and demonstration videos can help your child understand how to perform tasks.

• Encourage daily practice: Consistent practice of fine and gross motor skills through activities like coloring, drawing, or playing games can help improve coordination over time.

• Offer support for self-care tasks: Be patient with tasks like dressing, brushing teeth, and tying shoes, and give your child plenty of practice with guidance.

• Use adaptive tools: Consider tools like weighted pencils, special grips, or specially designed scissors to support motor activities.

• Encourage positive reinforcement: Celebrate progress, no matter how small, and acknowledge the effort involved to build confidence.

• Work with professionals: Occupational therapists and physical therapists can provide structured programs to improve motor skills, balance, and coordination.

• Use structured, interest-based exercises: Resources like "Sensory, Fine, and Gross Motor Development→from the Densing Teaching Method book series" offer step-by-step, hands-on activities that support motor development, balance, coordination, and fine/gross motor skills. These exercises are designed to help children with dyspraxia build confidence and independence while strengthening areas that may be challenging, such as motor planning, spatial awareness, and physical coordination. By turning learning and practicing challenging tasks into a game, children are more likely to stay engaged, have fun, and improve their skills in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

Downloadable Dyspraxia Checklist

If you notice signs of dyspraxia in your child or student, use this Dyspraxia Checklist to track motor difficulties and related challenges. This checklist is a helpful tool for observation; however, for a formal diagnosis, consult with a pediatrician, occupational therapist, or another qualified professional.

[Download the Dyspraxia Checklist here→]