How do we know what to test for?

[gauche1917]

What is the difference between Apraxia and Developmental Dyspraxia.  How similar are the symptoms and treatments?  What woud happen in a case of misdiagnosis between the two disorders?

[jdtm]

Are you talking about a child?  If so, I suspect the two are used interchangeably.  Apraxia can refer to speech issues following a stroke (especially in an adult); developmental apraxia usually refers to speech issues from a "problem" in the brain neurotransmitters which are not caused by trauma but probably present at or before birth.  But, I'm not an expert in this area - anyone else with to comment?

[specialmom]

I believe that dyspraxia is an overal motor delopmental delay and involves something called motor planning.  A child with dyspraxia has difficulty with speech as well as other motor activities.  Their brains communication system is faulty as jdtm said.  Good luck.

[specialmom]

Oh, and I would have a child evaluated by an occupational therapist and speech therapist.  Depending on your child's age, you could go through private resources or there are early childhood programs that your doctor could recommend to you.  (run by your city or state).  Or if this is an older child (older than 3) you could go through your local school system.  Either way, I'd talk to your pediatrician.  My child was first evaluated by a counselor at his preschool then onto an occupational therapist that worked with the school.  We now do private therapy for sensory integration disorder and have seen great improvement.