Dyspraxia: Its Relationship to The Impairment of Motor Neurons and Genes

Written by: Seinya Sam

Have you noticed behavior in a young child that seems to fall into the category of clumsy? Have you noticed difficulty in walking, balancing, or struggling to roll over? These may be indicators in young children of a neuro-motor disorder. Dyspraxia, otherwise known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), is a developmental disorder that hinders a child’s motor skills. Children with dyspraxia may have trouble executing fine and gross motor skills for their age range. These are often developmental delays found in these children. Moreover, conditions like this one have been found to be a result of impairments in genes during prenatal development rather than external factors. 

Genetic impairment often stands as a huge contributor to conditions such as dyspraxia. In the first genome-association wide study on dyspraxia (GWAS), researchers found that motor skill coordination derives from complicated genetic traits taking on varying forms. Across the numerous candidates who participated in their study, upon investigation, some of the nuances in their genes took on variations such as IQSEC1, which is a human gene on chromosome 3p252, which could have been a contributing factor in dyspraxia. This gene impairment is attributed to its role in neuronal network assembly and axon guidance, which are subfields of neurological development that deal with neuron development and processing. The findings of the researchers indicate that variations of genetics have influence on connectivity during early development of the brain, furthermore contributing to the argument that genetic impairment through variations has the ability to hinder brain development, which in turn can result in neurological-motor disorders such as dyslexia. This is because of disrupted developmental stages in the brain, which may later on show characteristics through signs of motor impairment in Dyspaxia. These characteristics may include poor hand-eye coordination, difficulty balancing, and trouble drawing, using scissors, or playing with toys. However, parents can be reassured that it is not something that they are doing wrong contributing to their child’s condition. But it is merely a result of the genetic lottery taking its course and contributing to a condition.

Moreover, interference with motor neuron development is a significant contributor to conditions such as dyspraxia. Over time, dyspraxia has been found to correlate with disruptions in neurotransmitter processes. For motor functions to occur, signals are sent and processed through neurons and through the central nervous system in order to carry out executive functions. The neurological aspect of dyspraxia has been found to stem from delayed development during the early stage of neuron maturations those neurons make connections between the spinal cord and brain in order to carry out motor functions, followed by muscles' coordinated movements. If improper development takes place, it won’t provide beneficial conditions for optimal pathway creation, meaning the motor executive(cognitive neural system of the brain)  of motor functions. The brain also has difficulty in sensory-data analysis in real time for individuals with dyspraxia, which can lead to other symptoms such as delayed motor function movements. For parents noticing these symptoms in their children, many may fear their symptoms arise from injuries during pregnancy, which is more than likely not the case for children. As numerous studies have shown previously, dyspraxia has been known to take on its form as a result of genes or motor neuron impairments. Meaning that those parents who may originally feel guilty don’t have to worry about that factor. Due to the fact of the matter being that their child’s condition has nothing to do with their fault. 

Although there is currently no cure for dyspraxia, there are numerous ways to alleviate some of the stress which many come with it for the individuals. This can be done through attempts such as cognitive therapy or physical therapy. With these treatments, children are able to utilize their fine and gross motor skills and can begin to improve upon their underdeveloped skills. It is a great way for parents to get involved and help make life quality better for their children with this condition. Moreover, their children may have an easier time improving their development through the implementation of exercise,  games, and interactive play to improve their developmental standpoint. 

Overall, throughout the studies which had been made on the condition of dyspraxia, it is quite clear that there is more than meets the eye. While it was previously thought to be caused by injury, it has now been revealed that gene and neuron impairment contribute to the displayed effects of the condition. These are the results of impairment factors, which are contributors to the condition. However, parents, friends, mentors, and more should focus on how to help the individuals and look at their conditions in a positive light, rather than focusing on the negative. In this way, we can hold a more positive viewpoint towards neurological conditions, as well as give persons with them the resources to feel seen and overall heard despite their difficulties

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References

Mountford, H. S., Hill, A., Barnett, A. L., & Newbury, D. F. (2021). Genome-wide association study of motor coordination. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2021.669902

Polatajko, H. J., & Cantin, N. (2005). Developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia): An overview of the state of the art. Seminars in Pediatric Neurology, 12(4), 250–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spen.2005.12.007

theAsianparent. (2025, March 11). Beware of Dyspraxia, Cause of Disrupted Motor Development in Children. theAsianparent. theAsianparent - Your Guide to Pregnancy, Baby & Raising Kids. https://sg.theasianparent.com/dyspraxia