Shane has Dyspraxia...

Shane has difficulties dressing himself and often sits on the end of his bed struggling to put on his socks. His mother has painstakingly shown him many times, but left on his own he cannot manage it. Shane often has to be shown how to play with toys, he is not able to decide for himself the most appropriate way of playing with the toy or game. He finds it very difficult to organise himself to do his homework. He often forgets to put toothpaste on his brush and brushes his teeth without it. Shane also appears clumsy and a bit awkward. Shane has Motor planning difficulties or Dyspraxia. His difficulties have also been described as DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder).

There are three steps involved in motor planning or Praxis.

He has to have an idea of what he wants to do.

He has to organize how to do it, sequence the steps involved (Motor planning).

Take action, or execute an unfamiliar motor activity.

At Cluas we created a specific individual program of therapy to address Shane's difficulties. Underlying Shane's Dyspraxia was a vestibular system deficit. The vestibular system has influences as wide range of activities, from balance and coordination, to sensory integration, and planning and sequencing.

Shane's Tomatis therapy program resulted in a much improved vestibular system. Following the initial stages of Tomatis Therapy, the activities in the Therapy room were geared towards giving Shane the oppertunity to try out tasks which previously would have been impossible for him, and caused great frustration. In the safe environment of the Therapy room Shane was supported in attempting planning and sequencing, and other activities which he previously would have shyed away from. To his surprise these were much easier than ever before.

Shane’s mother now reports that Shane is less frustrated when he is playing with his brothers. His homework has become less of a chore and he is generally less awkward and clumsy and is beginning to enjoy sports. He is much happier and confident in himself, making new friends and he has even joined a basketball club. Shane no longer thinks that Dyspraxia will hold him back.