Dyspraxia, Hypermobility and Neurodivergence
Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects coordination, motor planning and the ability to carry out everyday physical tasks. People with dyspraxia may experience difficulties with balance, fine motor skills, organisation and spatial awareness.
Dyspraxia is increasingly recognised as part of the broader group of neurodivergent conditions, which can include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia and Tourette’s syndrome.
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For some individuals, dyspraxia may occur alongside joint hypermobility or connective tissue conditions, including forms of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Research is beginning to explore potential links between hypermobility, proprioception (the body’s ability to sense position and movement), and coordination differences seen in dyspraxia.
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Understanding these overlapping factors may help individuals, families and professionals recognise the challenges people experience and support them more effectively.
What Is Dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia affects the brain’s ability to plan, coordinate and carry out movement. It is not related to intelligence, but it can make certain tasks more difficult to learn or perform.
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People with dyspraxia may experience challenges with:
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• coordination and balance
• handwriting and fine motor tasks
• learning new physical activities
• organising tasks or managing time
• spatial awareness and navigation
• everyday tasks such as using cutlery or dressing
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Symptoms vary widely between individuals. Some people experience mild coordination differences, while others may require ongoing support with daily activities.
Dyspraxia is considered part of the wider group of neurodivergent conditions, which often overlap.
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Dyspraxia and Hypermobility
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There is growing awareness of the connection between dyspraxia and hypermobility.
Joint hypermobility occurs when joints move beyond the typical range of motion. In the past this was sometimes described as being “double-jointed”, although joints themselves are not actually doubled.
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Some people are naturally flexible and experience no difficulties. However, when hypermobility is associated with symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, poor wound healing, soft tissue injuries or digestive issues, it may be part of a broader condition such as Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) or certain forms of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes.
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Not everyone with hypermobility receives a formal diagnosis, which is why the term hypermobility is sometimes used more broadly.
Research suggests that some people with hypermobility experience differences in proprioception, which may affect balance, coordination and motor planning. This can sometimes result in dyspraxia-like difficulties.
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Interestingly, experiences can vary widely. Some individuals with hypermobility may appear very coordinated in certain activities such as dance or gymnastics, while at other times they may appear clumsy or struggle with everyday motor tasks. This variability can sometimes make dyspraxia harder to recognise.
Understanding these connections may help professionals better support individuals experiencing these overlapping traits.
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Common Symptoms of Dyspraxia
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Symptoms of dyspraxia can affect both children and adults.
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Motor Coordination
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• clumsiness or frequent tripping
• difficulty catching or throwing objects
• poor balance or posture
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Fine Motor Skills
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• difficulty with handwriting
• problems using tools such as scissors
• slow or awkward typing
• challenges using cutlery while eating
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Organisation and Planning
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• difficulty following multi-step instructions
• challenges with time management
• problems organising tasks
• difficulties with navigation or reading maps
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Sensory Processing
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Some individuals may also experience differences in sensory processing, which can affect concentration, movement and comfort in different environments.
Many people also report challenges with proprioception, which influences body awareness and coordination.
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Dyspraxia, Autism and ADHD
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Dyspraxia frequently occurs alongside other neurodivergent conditions.
Research has identified overlapping traits between dyspraxia and:
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• autism spectrum conditions
• ADHD
• dyslexia or dyscalculia
• Tourette’s syndrome
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People with ADHD and connective tissue differences may experience coordination challenges, sensory sensitivities and difficulties with executive functioning.
Researchers have also explored possible links between autism and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, particularly in individuals who also experience joint hypermobility. These connections are still being studied and may reflect shared neurological or developmental pathways.
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Some individuals may also experience emotional dysregulation, which can make coordination challenges and everyday frustrations more difficult to manage.
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Understanding these overlaps helps professionals take a holistic approach to diagnosis and support.
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Diagnosis of Dyspraxia
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Dyspraxia is usually diagnosed by qualified healthcare professionals such as:
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• occupational therapists
• physiotherapists
• specialist nurses
• clinical psychologists
• paediatricians or neurologists
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Assessment may include evaluation of:
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• coordination and motor skills
• daily functioning
• educational or developmental history
• sensory processing differences
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Because dyspraxia often overlaps with other conditions, professionals may also consider factors such as autism, ADHD or hypermobility, particularly in children.
Diagnosis in adults is less common, but increasing awareness is helping more adults recognise and understand their experiences.
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Support and Management
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Although dyspraxia is lifelong, many strategies can help individuals develop skills, confidence and independence.
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Support may include:
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Occupational Therapy
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Occupational therapists can help individuals improve motor planning, coordination and everyday skills such as handwriting, organisation and self-care.
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Physiotherapy
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Physiotherapy may help improve posture, joint stability and body awareness. This can be particularly helpful for people who experience hypermobility-related joint instability.
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Educational Support
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Schools may offer adjustments such as:
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• extra time for written work
• assistive technology
• adapted teaching approaches
• support for fine and gross motor development
• activities to improve balance and proprioception
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Workplace Adjustments
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Adults may benefit from workplace adjustments including:
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• organisational tools or digital planners
• ergonomic workspaces
• flexible working arrangements
• task-management strategies
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Living with Dyspraxia and Hypermobility
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People who experience both dyspraxia and hypermobility may face a unique combination of challenges, including fatigue, joint instability, coordination differences and sensory sensitivities.
However, with the right support, many individuals develop effective strategies that allow them to thrive at school, work and in everyday life.
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Access to reliable information, supportive professionals and community networks can make a significant difference.
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At SEDS Connective we aim to provide information and support for individuals navigating the complex relationship between neurodivergence, hypermobility and connective tissue conditions.
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Further Information and Support
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If you or someone you support may be experiencing dyspraxia alongside hypermobility or related conditions, speaking with a qualified healthcare professional can help guide assessment and support.
You may also wish to explore:
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• information about Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, particularly hypermobile EDS
• resources about hypermobility and joint stability
• support networks for neurodivergent individuals
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Understanding how these conditions can overlap helps people access the support, recognition and understanding they deserve.
