AS MANY as one in 10 children could have dyspraxia.

The condition is also known as 'developmental co-ordination disorder', or 'clumsy child syndrome'.

Estimates of the prevalence of dyspraxia vary between two per cent and 10 per cent. It is thought to affect more boys than girls. A dyspraxic child will have difficulties with controlling their movements.

This may be gross motor control or fine motor control. Gross motor control relates to whole body or limb movements.

Fine motor control relates to hand and finger movement, eye movement and the organs of speech. Each child will have a unique combination of difficulties which can affect many aspects of their life.

Dyspraxia can have effects on the child in other ways too.

The child may lose confidence, develop low self-esteem and show associated anxiety, stress and depression.

The child may be frightened of trying for fear of failing and thus tend to give up on school work. We see a lot of such children at Appleford School.

I've written a free fact sheet on the condition for publication to coincide with Dyspraxia Awareness Week (September 27 -October 4).

The fact sheet is available from: Dyspraxia Fact Sheet, Appleford School, Shrewton, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 4HL.

For a free copy, call 01980 621020 or you can download a copy from the Appleford School website at www.applefordschool.org

DR PETER GARDNER

Chartered psychologist Appleford School