This second edition of Madeleine Portwood's successful manual aims to give parents, teachers and health professionals the confidence to diagnose and assess dyspraxia. Most importantly, it offers them an intervention program that will significantly improve the cognitive functioning of the dyspraxic child or teenager. Updated in light of the author's new and extensive research, the book provides the reader with background information on the neurological basis of the condition; strategies for identification, diagnosis and assessment; proven programs of intervention that can be monitored by anyone closely involved with the child; strategies to improve curricular attainments; remediation activities to develop perceptual and motor skills; programs to develop self-esteem; and information about where to find help.

First published in 2007. Research suggests that between five and ten per cent of all children are dyspraxic. There is much debate about the nature of this disorder and many undiagnosed youngsters are denied access to treatment programmes. In most areas specialist provision is a scarce resource and support, when available, is delivered through parents and teachers. This second edition of Madeleine Portwood's successful manual aims to give parents, teachers and health professionals the confidence to diagnose and assess dyspraxia. Most importantly. it offers them an intervention programme which will significantly improve the cognitive functioning of the dyspraxic child or teenager. Updated in light of the author's new and extensive research, the book provides the reader with: background information on the neurological basis of the condition; strategies for identification/diagnosis and assessment; proven programmes of intervention which can be monitored by anyone closely involved with the child; strategies to improve curricular attainments; remediation activities to develop perceptual and motor skills; programmes to develop self-esteem information about where to find help

In this text, the emphasis is placed on the theoretical aspects of developmental dyspraxia, the latest research data and the neurological basis of the condition. The focus is to enable professionals to diagnose the disorder and determine the most appropriate and effective methods of intervention.

For people with developmental dyspraxia, everyday life can pose a multitude of problems. This book is written to help all adults with dyspraxia tackle the everyday situations that many people take for granted. It offers practical advice on everything from getting a diagnosis to learning how to manage household chores.

Built upon the good practice for which the Dyscovery Centre has become so well known, this book takes a broader view of the difficulties that those with additional needs face. It considers whether this is a health, educational or social difficulty and what the wider implications are for the individual and how they manage at home and in the community. The authors look at what happens, what can be done to help and what changes occur as the child becomes an adolescent and eventually an adult. Teachers, SENCOs, teaching assistants, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and parents of children with dyspraxia or developmental co-ordination disorders should find this book stimulates their thinking and helps them in their work.

Although Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD, sometimes referred to as ‘Dyspraxia’) has received less attention than other developmental disorders, its impact can be severe and long-lasting. This volume takes a unique approach, pairing companion chapters from international experts in motor behaviour with experts in DCD. Current understanding of the motor aspects of DCD are thus considered in the context of general motor behaviour research. Understanding Motor Behaviour in Developmental Coordination Disorder offers an overview of theoretical and methodological issues relating to motor development, motor control and skill acquisition, genetics, physical education and occupational therapy. Critically, Barnett and Hill ground DCD research within what is known about motor behaviour and typical development, allowing readers to evaluate the nature and extent of work on DCD and to identify areas for future research. This unique approach makes the book invaluable for students in developmental psychology, clinical psychology, movement science, physiotherapy, physical education, and special education, as well as researchers and professionals working in those fields.

This updated new edition is a practical guidebook for parents, teachers and other professionals supporting children with sensory and motor learning difficulties. It offers an understanding of developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and the impact that this can have in both home and school settings. Each chapter offers practical ‘hands-on’ strategies, activities and ideas for managing the effects of the condition as well as providing a sound medical and physiological understanding of the condition to facilitate access to education and everyday living. Each chapter contains: A clear explanation of potential challenges that people with DCD and coexisting conditions face, with an introductory definition, along with reference to current terminology Exploration of the implications of these challenges on home life, educational and social environments Practical strategies and ideas to help the child or young person reach their full potential Written by occupational therapists with extensive experience of DCD/dyspraxia and possible associated conditions, this book is structured in an accessible way, suitable for: parents, carers, teachers or health professionals seeking guidance for the young people they support. This is a must read for anybody looking to support children and young people with this often misunderstood condition.