Description
Dyspraxia can affect arousal, usually being increased when a new or unfamiliar task is presented. This happens because of the previous failures to achieve success on sensory-motor tasks, which will trigger and raise arousal levels. This may mean they are more likely to make decisions in fight, flight, or freeze mode, resulting in behaviours that challenge others. The underlying problem is the praxis deficit, not sensory reactivity in response to a perceived threat.
This is very true of our clients who have dyspraxia co-occurring with mental health difficulties. We ignore and disregard praxis at our peril. Left unaddressed, praxis deficits continue to interfere with participation in daily life, skill development and self-esteem unabated.
