Praxis

Understanding Praxis

Praxis refers to how our brain plans and carries out new movements that we haven’t done before. It’s like learning to jump or skip for children.

For adults it is acquiring new skills such as driving or using chopsticks.

When sensory information is not processed effectively, it can make new movements challenging because the child has difficulty understanding their body’s position and how to use it as well as figuring out how much force, speed, and direction to use.

People with praxis difficulties may appear clumsy or awkward in their movements. These motor (movement) planning difficulties are often called dyspraxia.

 

How difficulties with praxis may look:

  • Appear clumsy

  • Struggle with skilled coordination of actions that require efficient timing and spatial accuracy, e.g running to catch or kick a ball

  • Have difficulty crossing the midline (moving their limbs across the centre of their body to the opposite side)

  • Have difficulty with completing multi-step activities

  • Have difficulty with tasks that involve the integration of vision and movement

  • Have difficulty planning and organising the sequences of movements in activities such as cutting with scissors or riding a bicycle

  • Have difficulty with daily activities such as getting dressed, using a knife and fork

  • Bump into or trip over things frequently

  • Taking longer to learn skills such as tying shoelaces, dressing, writing or ball skills

  • Have poor gross motor control when running, climbing, jumping, and going up and down stairs

  • Have difficulty when transitioning from one activity to another

  • Have low self-esteem

Use the Links below to find out more about sensory processing

Explore our other services

Children's ADHD Intervention Team

This service provides post-diagnostic support and on-going management for children and young people with ADHD and their families.

Hull & East Riding Community Core CAMHS

Our Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service supports children and young people aged up to 18 years, who are experiencing significant emotional or mental health difficulties.

Children's Autism and ADHD Assessment Team

The team completes Autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people who are below the age of 18 and have a GP in Hull or the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Children's Neurodiversity Front Door Team

The Front Door Team is where referrals for Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADHD) are sent and reviewed.

“Our Senses are the gateway to our world”