Beating Dyspraxia with a Hop, Skip and a Jump: A Simple Exercise Program for Home and School

Children with dyspraxia often have reduced motor skills including balance, timing and coordination, as well as weak muscles - something recent research suggests may be not only a symptom but a cause of the condition. It is no wonder then, that they will do everything in their power to avoid gym class! By encouraging children with dyspraxia to take part in an easy and fun exercise program, teachers and parents can help them to overcome their symptoms, enjoy physical activities, and become as active as their friends and classmates.

Geoff Platt's highly effective program aims to improve strength and fitness by focusing on familiar activities such as running, jumping and ball play. These simple exercises can be taught by anyone and no specialist supervision or equipment is required. This book demonstrates how regular exercise routines that are tailored specifically to the needs of children with dyspraxia can make a real difference, eliminating weakness by improving muscle activation, neural control and overall movement skills.

This practical guide will be an essential resource for parents, Physical Education teachers, and other teachers of recreation and games classes who are looking to help children with dyspraxia to reduce weakness and improve motor skills.

Geoff Platt, PhD, has worked as a lecturer in Sport Science for ten years, most recently working as a senior lecturer and course director in Sports Coaching Science and Sports Analysis and Coaching at Kingston University, London. He has lectured on Olympic Solidarity Courses on behalf of the International Olympic Committee and is the Director of Coaching for Weightlifting in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. He has just completed a PhD for which he carried out extensive research into strength exercises for children with dyspraxia. Geoff lives in Surrey, UK.