We’ve collated some of the best books out there for understanding dyspraxia.

The best part is that Dyspraxia Foundation is an Amazon Associate, so if you buy a book from any of the links below, we earn from any qualifying purchases - so thank you for supporting us!

For parents/carers

Developmental Dyspraxia: Identification and Intervention: A Manual for Parents and Professionals

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.

Click here to buy on Amazon.

The Power of Different

Psychiatrist and bestselling author Gail Saltz examines the latest scientific discoveries, profiles famous geniuses who have been diagnosed with all manner of brain “problems” including learning disabilities, ADD, anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Autism and tells the stories of lay individuals to show how the source of our struggles can be the origin of our greatest strengths. Rooted in her experience as a professor and practicing psychiatrist, and based on the latest neuropsychiatric research, Saltz demonstrates how specific deficits in certain areas of the brain are directly associated with the potential for great talent. She also shows how the very conditions that can cause difficulty in life are bound to creative, disciplinary, artistic, empathetic, and cognitive abilities. In this pioneering work, readers will find engaging research and stories from historical geniuses and everyday individuals who have not only made the most of their conditions, but who have flourished because of them. They are leaning into their brain differences to: “Identify areas of interest and expertise”. “Develop work-arounds”. “Create the environments that best foster their talents “Forge rewarding interpersonal relationships. Enlightening and inspiring, The Power of Different shows how the unique wiring of every brain can be a source of strength and productivity, and can contribute to the richness of our world.

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Dyspraxia: Developmental Co-ordination Disorder

A parents’ guide from pre-school to adulthood - Dyspraxia - The hidden handicap by Dr Amanda Kirby. Dyspraxia, a condition which causes coordination difficulties, also known as Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD), is truly a hidden handicap and one that can lead to severe educational and social problems for the child. Affecting three times as many boys as girls, it can make the child a social outcast, provoke bullying and seriously damage his self-esteem. Yet outwardly he appears like all other children. Amanda Kirby, a doctor whose second son has dyspraxia, writes from long experience of the questions parents ask and of strategies that help the child to overcome his problems. Mindful that the condition may be diagnosed at any stage, she covers the years from pre-school to adulthood, offering practical improvement techniques for home and school, and discussing the implications of the condition for the child’s future. She deals sympathetically with the emotional reactions of parents, siblings and, not least, the child himself, and suggests positive ways of coping with them. What most parents want above all is information - about causes, symptoms, diagnostic procedures and other possible conditions. The book explains all these in simple terms and also includes a glossary of technical words that may be used by professionals. A full list of resources makes the book a valuable source of reference for expert help and support. Illustrated with cheerful drawings by Sian Koppel, this hopeful, practical book can help bring about real improvements in the lives of children who have dyspraxia.

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Knowing No Boundaries: A memoir of my life with dyslexia, dyspraxia and sensory processing disorder.

Hannah Daly is a paediatric Occupational Therapist and an advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner who is profoundly dyslexic, dyspraxic and has sensory processing disorder. She has multiple university degrees, but still cannot read or write.
In ‘KNOWING NO BOUNDARIES’, she gives an honest account of living with these hidden disabilities. This book is a unique coming-of-age, feel good memoir that strikes the balance of vulnerability and humour. The narrative is accessible, informative and emotionally provocative. In telling her life story, Hannah demonstrates her determination and perseverance as she continually pushes boundaries and embraces the challenges of being neuro-diverse. Her story of success in the most unlikely of circumstances encourages us all to be braver and more accepting of difference.

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Max and Me: A Story About Sensory Processing

The story offers an explanation of how sensory information is processed using the analogy of a ‘modulator’, who living in the brain has the job of receiving messages from the senses and then deciding the best thing for the body to do. Once Max gets to know his modulator and how to work together with him, things start to go better for him. The workbook format is designed to allow children to reflect on the story and working together with an adult, get to know their own ‘modulator’. Max and Me is a resource for therapists, teachers, SENCOs, parents and children.

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100 Ideas for Supporting Pupils with Dyspraxia and DCD (Continuum One Hundreds)

This useful, resourceful and practical guide provides those working with dyspraxic and DCD children one hundred ideas of how to support and develop their learning. Lists cover the entire school age range and range from developing fine and gross motor skills to preparing children for their next transition either to the next stage of schooling or for their future careers.

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Guide to Dyspraxia and Developmental Coordination Disorders

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.

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The Adolescent with Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD)

Adolescence is hard for most of us, but for an individual with Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) it can be twice as hard. Amanda Kirby, Medical Director of the Dyscovery Centre and the mother of a DCD child herself, addresses the main difficulties encountered by adolescents with DCD, including building relationships and coping with secondary school. With a common sense approach she provides a series of practical ideas on how individuals can tackle these difficulties, making The Adolescent with Developmental Co-ordination Disorder an essential resource for adolescents with DCD, as well as parents, teachers and health professionals.

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How to Increase the Potential of Students with DCD (Dyspraxia) in Secondary School

The structure of secondary education demands that young people are well-organised, self-sufficient, increasingly autonomous learners, who can cope with a wide range of teachers and a diverse timetable based around multiple locations and buildings. However, a substantial number of young people have motor co-ordination and perceptual difficulties which affect their participation in class activities. This condition was previously termed ‘dyspraxia’ but is now more universally referred to as ‘developmental coordination disorder’ or DCD. This book will provide readers with an insight into how DCD can affect students at Key Stages 3 and 4, and provide some practical strategies to help each young person to reach their potential. It is also intended to help parents/carers of young people with DCD to understand the potential help available to their child as they transition into secondary education. MORE ABOUT THE BOOK: For pupils with DCD, poor handwriting, erratic organisation, and difficulties with reading, mathematics and physical education may have been noted at primary school with their associated detrimental effect on academic success, peer relationships, social skills and self-confidence. However, these issues are felt more keenly in secondary school due to the desire to ‘fit-in’ and be accepted by a potentially large and often unforgiving peer group. This book is intended to inspire teachers and health care professionals to: understand the unique needs of young people with DCD; understand why young people with DCD have difficulties in perceptual and motor planning; appreciate the impact of DCD on learning; consider the added influence of peer-pressure and puberty on DCD; provide practical strategies to help; consider post-16 and vocational training. It is also intended to help parents/carers of young people with DCD to understand the potential help available to their child as they transition into secondary education.

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Hands on Dyspraxia: Developmental Coordination Disorder: Supporting Young People with Motor and Sensory Challenges

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; and 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.

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Toolkit for parents/carers of school-aged children with dyspraxia/DCD

This toolkit was developed by the Dyspraxia Foundation for parents/carers of young people with dyspraxia (also known as developmental coordination disorder – DCD), a condition that affects gross and fine motor coordination in children and adults and that can also affect speech, organisational and planning skills, memory and perception. The toolkit offers a wealth of information and practical suggestions to help parents address the daily challenges experienced by children with dyspraxia/DCD at home, at school and in their leisure activities. The techniques and tools included in this toolkit will help parents/carers build their child’s independence and resilience, ensuring they can reach their potential in all areas of life. Chapters include information about dyspraxia/DCD; accessing professional help; how parents/carers can help at home; working in partnership with schools; supporting your child’s wellbeing; and supporting your child’s participation in social and leisure activities. This toolkit is essential reading for parents/carers of children who have dyspraxia/DCD, for parents/carers of children who are waiting for an assessment, and for parents/carers who are concerned about their child’s motor/organisational development and who want to do something ‘while they wait’ for professional assessment or support.

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All About Dyspraxia: Understanding Developmental Coordination Disorder

All About Dyspraxia follows in the best-selling footsteps of Kathy Hoopmann’s All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum and All Dogs have ADHD. Through engaging text and full-colour photographs, this book shows how people with dyspraxia see and experience the world and highlights the unique characteristics that make them special.
A perfect introduction to dyspraxia for those recently diagnosed with the condition, as well as their families, friends, and the people who work with them. People with dyspraxia will also appreciate the book for the way it shares their perspectives on life with care and gentle humour.

Click here to buy on Amazon.