Dyspraxia and Autism: Understanding the Similarities, Differences, and Overlap

Mar 23

Written By A G

Ever feel like your brain and body just aren't quite in sync? Or maybe you—or your child—have been diagnosed with autism, but there's something else going on, too. Maybe movement, coordination, or even getting dressed feels tougher than it should. That might be dyspraxia.

Dyspraxia and autism often show up together, and if you’re not sure where one ends and the other begins, you’re not alone. So let’s chat about what dyspraxia really is, how it overlaps with autism, what makes each one unique, and how you can support yourself or someone you care about.

So, What Is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia (also called Developmental Coordination Disorder, or DCD) is basically a brain-body disconnect. It affects how we plan, organize, and carry out physical movements—big and small.

But it’s not just about tripping or being “clumsy.” Dyspraxia can show up in lots of ways:

Struggling with balance or posture
Having trouble brushing your hair or using utensils
Getting overwhelmed by tasks that require multiple steps
Mixing up directions or losing track of time
Difficulty with speech (this can be called verbal dyspraxia)
Feeling constantly exhausted just trying to “keep up” with daily tasks

Little things—like tying shoes or using scissors—can feel like huge challenges. And for younger kids, it might mean missing early milestones like crawling or walking.

Everyone with dyspraxia experiences it differently. Some people learn to work around it. Others might avoid activities that are tough for them, which makes it even harder to spot from the outside.

Okay, Then What’s Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that mainly affects how someone communicates, connects with others, and processes the world around them. It’s not an illness or something to be “cured”—it’s just a different way of experiencing life.

Some common traits include:

Challenges with social cues, eye contact, or back-and-forth conversation
A strong need for routine or predictability
Sensory sensitivities (like getting overwhelmed by noise, textures, or bright lights)
Stimming (things like rocking, flapping, or repeating words as a form of self-regulation)
Intense interests or deep focus on specific topics
Struggles with emotional regulation or feeling misunderstood

Like dyspraxia, autism is a spectrum. No two autistic people are exactly the same.

How Are Autism and Dyspraxia Alike?

Here’s where things get interesting: a lot of traits overlap between autism and dyspraxia.

People with either (or both) might:

Struggle with coordination or movement
Feel overwhelmed by sensory input
Have trouble organizing thoughts, tasks, or time
Find social situations confusing or exhausting
Mask or hide their struggles to fit in
Feel anxious, especially when things change unexpectedly

You can probably see how it could get confusing—especially when someone has both conditions.

So What’s the Difference?

It can be hard to untangle where dyspraxia ends and autism begins, but there are some general differences:

1. Main Focus

Autism is mostly about how someone communicates, relates, and experiences the world socially and emotionally.
Dyspraxia is mostly about how someone moves and coordinates their body.

2. Sensory & Movement Challenges

Autistic people might struggle with motor skills because of sensory issues—like trouble with body awareness (proprioception) or balance (vestibular processing).
In dyspraxia, movement challenges come more from a disconnect between brain signals and physical movement.

3. Memory & Information Processing

Many autistic folks can remember tons of information, especially related to interests.
People with dyspraxia often have a tougher time remembering sequences or processing verbal instructions.

4. Stimming & Social Play

Stimming and limited pretend play are more commonly associated with autism.
People with dyspraxia might not stim and may participate more naturally in imaginative play, though it depends on the individual.

Can You Have Both?

Yes—absolutely. It’s called a dual diagnosis, and it’s more common than you might think.

Some studies say around 10% of people with dyspraxia also show signs of autism. On the flip side, up to 80% of autistic kids may show signs of dyspraxia, especially with motor coordination.

So if you—or your child—have a diagnosis of one and still feel like something’s missing from the puzzle, it’s worth looking into the other.

Why This Matters

Getting a clear picture of what’s going on can be a game-changer. Whether you’re the one experiencing it or you're supporting someone else, understanding both autism and dyspraxia can:

Help explain why certain things are so exhausting or difficult
Reduce shame or confusion about past struggles
Lead to accommodations at work or school
Improve emotional well-being and reduce burnout
Help you ask for the right kind of support

It can also just be really validating to put a name to something you’ve always felt but never understood.

How to Support Yourself or Someone Else

Whether you’re navigating this for yourself or someone you love, here are a few things that can help:

1. Occupational Therapy (OT)

OT can be incredibly helpful—especially for motor skills, sensory regulation, and daily routines. It’s great for kids, but many adults benefit too.

2. Speech and Language Therapy

If verbal communication is tough (especially with verbal dyspraxia or autistic language differences), this kind of therapy can support clearer communication and confidence.

3. Routines With Wiggle Room

Structure helps reduce overwhelm, but flexibility is key too. Find a rhythm that supports executive function without becoming rigid.

4. Assistive Tools Are Your Friends

Visual schedules, sensory supports, adaptive clothing, or kitchen gadgets that make life easier? Yes, please. Use what works for you.

5. Self-Compassion

This isn’t about pushing harder or “fixing” yourself. It’s about honoring your experience, moving at your own pace, and letting go of unrealistic expectations.

Therapy for Support and Understanding

Autism and dyspraxia aren’t flaws. They’re just different ways of being in the world. And if you’ve been dealing with both—or think you might be—just know this: you are not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong.

Maybe you’ve always felt out of sync, misunderstood, or “too much.” Maybe everyday tasks feel way harder than they should. That doesn’t mean you’re lazy or broken.

It means your brain and body are wired differently. And you deserve support, kindness, and space to thrive.

Take what resonates. Leave the rest. And remember—your experience is valid.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for medical or psychological care. If you think you or someone you love may be autistic or dyspraxic, reach out to a qualified healthcare provider.

A G