In this week’s episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey sits down with Sharon Lane, Chief Executive Officer of Dyspraxia Ireland, for an in-depth conversation about developmental coordination disorder (DCD) — more commonly known as dyspraxia — and the supports available to children, adults, and families across Ireland.
Warm, engaging, and deeply informative, Sharon offers a clear explanation of a condition that affects an estimated 10% of the population, yet remains widely misunderstood.
What Is Dyspraxia? Understanding Fine & Gross Motor Challenges
Sharon begins by breaking down the fundamentals:
Dyspraxia is the commonly used term for developmental coordination disorder (DCD) — a lifelong neurological condition that affects the brain’s ability to plan and coordinate movement. It impacts both fine motor skills (such as writing, tying shoelaces, threading a needle) and gross motor skills (such as balance, cycling, or running).
She offers a simple balance exercise to illustrate the difference between typical motor coordination and dyspraxia. Standing on one leg — especially with eyes closed — highlights how challenging these everyday tasks can be for someone with DCD.
It also affects activities people don’t immediately connect with coordination, such as driving, operating machinery, or completing multi-step routines.
“Dyspraxia isn’t clumsiness,” Sharon explains. “It’s a neurological difference that shapes how people move through the world.”
A Lifelong Condition — Not Just a “Childhood Issue”
Many listeners may be surprised to learn that dyspraxia affects adults as well as children.
Sharon explains that for decades the condition was mistakenly referred to as clumsy child syndrome, which created a myth that it affects only young people. In reality, it is lifelong, and many older adults have gone undiagnosed for most of their lives.
This has serious implications. As people age, balance difficulties can increase the risk of injury or falls. Receiving a diagnosis later in life is often a relief, Sharon says — a way to replace labels like clumsy, careless, or a bull in a china shop with a correct understanding of what’s really going on.
“Many adults tell us, ‘Now I finally know it wasn’t my fault.’”
Co-Occurring Conditions & Hidden Impacts
Up to 40% of people with DCD also experience co-occurring conditions such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. This can lead to heightened sensory sensitivities, delayed speech, or challenges with routines.
And beyond coordination, there are significant secondary effects:
• low self-esteem
• anxiety and depression
• fatigue
• frustration in school, work, and relationships
Sharon notes that these emotional and social impacts often shape a person’s experience as much as the motor difficulties themselves.
Supports & Interventions: Building Skills for Everyday Life
There is no “cure” for DCD — but with the right supports, people can thrive.
Dyspraxia Ireland’s most widely used services include occupational therapy, which helps individuals develop practical, everyday skills. The examples Sharon gives are striking in their simplicity and importance:
• helping a child learn to ride a bicycle
• teaching handwriting, shaving, or applying mascara
• supporting a graduate preparing for his first job interview who needed help buckling a belt
“These skills matter,” she says. “They build confidence, independence, and dignity.”
How Common Is Dyspraxia?
Sharon estimates that one or two children in every classroom have DCD — and in some classes, several students may be affected.
Across Ireland, the overall prevalence may be around 10%, though it is likely higher due to undiagnosed adults.
Dyspraxia or DCD? Clearing Up the Confusion
Medical professionals diagnose DCD, not dyspraxia.
DCD refers specifically to movement-related challenges, while “dyspraxia” is a broader, lay term often used to include emotional, sensory, and practical impacts.
Sharon hopes to see future diagnostic manuals expand to reflect these lived realities.
Dyspraxia Ireland: 30 Years of Support, Advocacy & Community
Founded three decades ago, Dyspraxia Ireland is a national, member-led organisation supporting people of all ages. Its reach extends beyond Ireland, with members in the UK, Australia, Canada, and the United States.
Its services include:
• occupational therapy assessments and follow-up supports
• a guidance and support hub, responding to thousands of queries
• counselling for individuals and families
• online clubs for teenagers, including a music therapy group and book club
• family days, workshops, and community events
• education and training for employers, including mediation and accessibility guidance
The charity has seen a significant increase in demand from employers linked to new Work Access Grants aimed at improving Ireland’s low disability employment rates.
“We’re always delighted when employers reach out,” Sharon says. “It shows a willingness to create equitable workplaces.”
Advice for Parents: Don’t Rush to “Fix It”
When asked what she would say to a parent with a newly diagnosed child, Sharon’s message is compassionate and clear:
“Take your time. Let it sink in. Don’t feel you have to fix everything immediately. Contact us — we will walk this journey with you.”
She emphasises avoiding unreliable online sources, stressing that Dyspraxia Ireland’s supports are evidence-based and shaped in partnership with universities and researchers.
A National HSE-Funded Programme to Reduce Waiting Lists
One of the most significant developments is the POTTS Programme (Partnering in Occupational Therapy Telehealth Services), funded by the HSE to reduce long waitlists for children aged 8–13.
Any family on a HSE waitlist can register through the Dyspraxia Ireland website and access assessments and follow-up supports delivered by trained occupational therapists.
“It’s an amazing initiative,” Sharon says. “And we hope to expand it further.”
Get Involved, Get Support, Get Connected
Sharon encourages listeners to explore Dyspraxia Ireland’s website, social media channels, and YouTube videos, all regularly updated with accessible information.
Membership is €40 per year and provides access to resources, workshops, discounts, and early registration for events.
Above all, Sharon invites anyone affected — whether newly diagnosed or navigating challenges alone — to reach out.
“That’s what we’re here for.”
Website: https://dyspraxia.ie
This interview aired on Disability Matters with John Comiskey on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
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