Treatment of Adult Dyspraxia

Core Treatment Framework

The American Academy of Neurology recommends a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach centered on occupational therapy with activity-based functional goals, complemented by speech-language therapy for any co-occurring communication difficulties, while avoiding compensatory aids during active rehabilitation phases 1, 2
Occupational therapy should focus on activity-based (functional) rather than impairment-based goals and interventions, representing the cornerstone of adult dyspraxia management 1
Strategy training or gesture training may be considered for apraxia/dyspraxia (Level IIb, B evidence), along with task practice with or without mental rehearsal (Level IIb, C evidence) 2
Avoid compensatory aids and techniques during the acute phase or when undergoing active rehabilitation, as these can impede recovery and skill development 1
Never use splints or devices that immobilize joints, as this contradicts the goal of improving motor planning and coordination 1
Integrate specific treatment techniques into functional activities and demonstrate how patients can carry these over independently into daily life 1

Provide education about the diagnosis and symptoms at initial assessment, emphasizing that dyspraxia is a real and disabling condition affecting motor planning and spatial information processing 1
Introduce the concept of self-management from the first session, as this promotes long-term independence and reduces reliance on ongoing therapy 1
Involve significant others in education and treatment, as support systems are crucial for carryover of strategies into daily contexts 1

Screen for and address co-occurring aphasia or communication difficulties, as these can complicate rehabilitation and require speech-language therapy input 2

Reduce excessive musculoskeletal tension in speech and non-speech muscles affecting articulation, particularly in the head, neck, shoulders, face, and mouth 3, 4
Consider collaborative treatment with physiotherapy or occupational therapy where there is functional facial weakness, spasm, or trismus 4
Use distraction techniques such as dual-tasking while speaking, singing, or mindfulness during oromotor tasks to normalize speech patterns 3, 4
Address psychological factors including abnormal illness beliefs, hypervigilance to bodily functions, and cognitive features related to locus of control 5

Use variability of symptoms on examination and in day-to-day life positively in treatment, demonstrating to patients that improvement is possible 1
Recognize and sensitively challenge unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that perpetuate disability beyond the motor impairment itself 1

Complete a relapse prevention and ongoing self-management plan as part of treatment, as dyspraxia is a lifelong condition requiring sustained strategies 1
Book follow-up appointments to review progress, troubleshoot issues, and reset goals as the healthcare system allows 1

Avoid focusing solely on impairment-level exercises (e.g., repetitive motor drills) without functional context, as this fails to address the motor planning deficits central to dyspraxia 1

Peer support organizations serve as an important adjunct to treatment, especially for those with persistent symptoms 1