As parents, we want to see our children thrive in daily activities—whether it’s playing with friends, learning new skills, or completing simple tasks like getting dressed. But what happens when these activities become a struggle?

Some children face challenges with motor planning, a key part of a broader process called praxis.

When a child struggles with praxis, they may find it difficult to coordinate movements, follow instructions or sequence actions, impacting their ability to participate independently in everyday life.

What Is Praxis?

Praxis is the process that allows us to think of an action, organise a plan, and carry it out. It is essential for learning new motor skills and adapting movements. Effective praxis integrates sensory information from sight, hearing, balance, touch, and proprioception (awareness of body position) to plan and execute movements smoothly and efficiently.

Praxis can be broken down into four key steps:

Ideation: Generating an idea for what to do.
For example, imagining a picture before drawing it or thinking of the steps required to tie shoelaces.
Motor Planning: Organising how to move the body to achieve a goal. This involves sequencing actions, like planning how to catch a ball or navigate an obstacle.
Execution: Carrying out the planned movement.
Feedback and Adaptation: Evaluating how well the task was performed, making adjustments for future attempts.

Why Is Praxis Important?

Praxis plays a crucial role in childhood development, supporting:

Self-Care: Tasks like dressing, brushing teeth, or eating require sequencing and coordination.
Play Skills: Activities such as kicking a ball, riding a bike, or building with blocks rely on the ability to plan and execute movements.
School Success: Fine motor skills like writing and cutting, as well as gross motor skills needed for PE, depend on well-developed praxis.
Social Skills: Many social interactions involve motor coordination, especially during play or team activities.

“Motor planning is more than movement – it’s the bridge to independence and confidence for children.”

Signs Your Child Might Have Praxis Challenges

Children with praxis difficulties may show:

Difficulty starting tasks or knowing how to move their body to complete an action.
Clumsiness or appearing uncoordinated during physical activities like running, jumping, or catching a ball.
Struggles with learning new motor skills, such as riding a bike or tying shoelaces.
Avoidance of tasks requiring sequencing, like using scissors or following multi-step instructions.
Frustration or giving up easily when faced with physical challenges.

ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Praxis challenges are often linked to ADHD and ASD. Children with ADHD may struggle with planning and organising their actions due to difficulties with focus and working memory. Meanwhile, children with ASD may face challenges with sensory integration, making it harder to plan and execute movements.

These praxis difficulties can impact:

Academic Performance: Struggles with handwriting, cutting, and organising routines can make classroom tasks overwhelming.
Social Interaction: Difficulties in participating in group activities can affect friendships and social confidence.
Daily Living Skills: Challenges in sequencing and coordinating movements can hinder independence in everyday tasks.

Supporting Praxis Development

If your child struggles with coordination, clumsiness, or avoids physical activities, there are ways to help them strengthen their motor planning and coordination skills. Early support can make a significant difference in their confidence and independence.

Here are strategies to support praxis:

Motor Planning Exercises: Activities like obstacle courses or playing "Simon Says" can help children learn to organise and carry out movements.
Body Awareness Training: Encourage activities that improve spatial awareness, such as yoga or dance.
Coordination Activities: Focus on both fine motor (e.g., threading beads, drawing) and gross motor (e.g., jumping, climbing) exercises.
Structured Play Therapy: Guided play in a safe environment helps children practice and master new motor skills.
Sensory Exploration: Activities like playing with water, foam, or sand provide valuable sensory feedback to support motor planning.
Break Down Tasks: Simplify multi-step instructions into smaller, manageable parts to reduce overwhelm.
Allow Extra Time: Give your child time to plan their actions without pressure, fostering independence and reducing frustration.
Limit Verbal Instructions: Minimise language processing demands by demonstrating actions instead of solely relying on verbal instructions.

Recognising Praxis Challenges in Schools

In a school setting, praxis difficulties may present as:

Confusion and Disorganisation: Students may struggle to pack their bags, manage transitions, or follow routines.
Increased Effort for Basic Tasks: Writing or cutting may take so much effort that they can’t focus on other parts of the lesson.
Physical and Cognitive Fatigue: Extra energy spent on motor planning can leave students exhausted, impacting their ability to concentrate.
Difficulty with New Tasks: Unfamiliar activities can feel overwhelming, leading to frustration or avoidance.

The Role of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy can be transformative for children with praxis challenges. A qualified therapist can assess sensory integration and motor planning skills, creating a tailored intervention plan that includes:

Sensory-based strategies to improve coordination.
Activities to build strength, endurance, and fine motor skills.
Guidance for parents and teachers on how to support the child in daily activities.

If your child shows signs of praxis difficulties, reaching out to an occupational therapist can provide valuable insights and strategies to support their development. Early intervention helps children build the skills they need to succeed in daily life, school, and play.

Understanding praxis and its connection to sensory integration is key to supporting children who struggle with motor planning and multi-step tasks. By fostering these skills, we can help children gain independence, confidence, and the ability to fully engage with the world around them. If you’re concerned about your child’s motor skills, contact us to learn how we can assist in their journey toward success and well-being.

References: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8197801/

Understanding Praxis and it’s Impact on Learning