Can occupational therapy help a child with dyspraxia in Malta?

Yes. Occupational therapy is the primary treatment for dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder). At WonderKids, our therapists use evidence-based approaches to help children improve motor planning, coordination, and daily living skills.

What are the signs of dyspraxia in children?

Common signs include clumsiness, difficulty learning new physical skills, problems with handwriting, trouble with self-care tasks like buttons and shoelaces, and poor balance or coordination compared to peers.

How is dyspraxia assessed at WonderKids?

We conduct comprehensive motor assessments evaluating your child's coordination, motor planning, balance, and fine motor skills. Contact us at +356 77048650 to book an assessment.

Can occupational therapy help a child with dyspraxia in Malta?

Yes. Occupational therapy is the primary treatment for dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder). At WonderKids, our therapists use evidence-based approaches to help children improve motor planning, coordination, and daily living skills.

What are the signs of dyspraxia in children?

Common signs include clumsiness, difficulty learning new physical skills, problems with handwriting, trouble with self-care tasks like buttons and shoelaces, and poor balance or coordination compared to peers.

How is dyspraxia assessed at WonderKids?

We conduct comprehensive motor assessments evaluating your child's coordination, motor planning, balance, and fine motor skills. Contact us at +356 77048650 to book an assessment.

Dyspraxia Treatment for Children in Malta: Occupational Therapy

WonderKids provides specialised occupational therapy for children with dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), in Malta. Our experienced therapists help children develop motor planning skills, improve coordination, and build confidence in physical activities and daily tasks.

What Is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a condition that affects motor planning and coordination. Children with dyspraxia find it difficult to plan and execute physical movements, which can impact everything from playground activities to handwriting to getting dressed.

It is estimated that dyspraxia affects around 5-6% of school-aged children, making it one of the most common childhood developmental conditions.

How Does Occupational Therapy Help Children with Dyspraxia?

At WonderKids, our occupational therapists work with children to develop the motor planning and coordination skills they need for daily life. Our approach includes:

Motor planning activities: Structured exercises that help children learn to plan, sequence, and execute movements
Gross motor development: Balance, coordination, ball skills, and playground activities
Fine motor skills: Handwriting, cutting, manipulating small objects, and using tools
Self-care independence: Dressing skills (buttons, zips, laces), eating with utensils, personal hygiene
Sensory integration: Many children with dyspraxia also have sensory processing differences that affect their motor skills

What to Expect from Dyspraxia Therapy

Our therapy programme begins with a comprehensive motor assessment to identify your child’s specific strengths and challenges. We then develop a tailored plan that may include:

Individual therapy sessions focusing on motor skill development (45-60 minutes)
Home exercise programmes for daily practice
School consultation to support classroom participation
Equipment and adaptation recommendations
Regular progress reviews with parents

Sessions are designed to be fun and engaging, using games and activities that motivate children to practise challenging skills.

Why Choose WonderKids for Dyspraxia Treatment?

Ema Bartolo (BSc OT, MSc Sensory Integration) and Maria Balzan (BSc OT, MSc Sensory Integration) bring specialised expertise in motor development and sensory integration. Our modern therapy rooms are equipped with specialised equipment for developing gross and fine motor skills.

How Do I Get Started?

If you’re concerned about your child’s coordination or motor skills, contact WonderKids at +356 77048650 or email info@wonderkids.mt. Our centre in Mosta serves families from across Malta, with fast appointments and no long waiting lists.

References

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). (2020). Occupational Therapy for Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. www.aota.org
Blank, R., et al. (2019). International Clinical Practice Recommendations for Developmental Coordination Disorder. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology.