Signs of Dyspraxia in Toddlers
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published NIH, AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about signs of dyspraxia in toddlers, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder) involves difficulty with motor planning - the ability to think of, organize, and carry out movements. Toddlers with dyspraxia often appear clumsy, have difficulty with new motor tasks, and struggle with everyday activities like eating, dressing, and playing. It affects about 5-6% of children and responds well to therapy.
Key takeaways
- Dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder) involves difficulty with motor planning - the ability to think of, organize, and carry out movements. Toddlers with dyspraxia often appear clumsy, have difficulty with new motor tasks, and struggle with everyday activities like eating, dressing, and playing. It affects about 5-6% of children and responds well to therapy.
- Usually normal when: Your toddler is clumsy but learns new motor tasks with practice.
- Call your doctor if: Your child has lost motor planning abilities.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to NIH, AAP, CDC guidelines, dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder) involves difficulty with motor planning - the ability to think of, organize, and carry out movements. Toddlers with dyspraxia often appear clumsy, have difficulty with new motor tasks, and struggle with everyday activities like eating, dressing, and playing. It affects about 5-6% of children and responds well to therapy. At 12-18 months, early signs may include difficulty learning new movements, clumsiness beyond what is typical, and frustration with motor tasks. At this age, it can be hard to distinguish from normal developmental variation. If your child seems to struggle with motor tasks more than peers, mention it to your pediatrician. It is generally considered normal when your toddler is clumsy but learns new motor tasks with practice. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child has lost motor planning abilities.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
12-18 months
Early signs may include difficulty learning new movements, clumsiness beyond what is typical, and frustration with motor tasks. At this age, it can be hard to distinguish from normal developmental variation. If your child seems to struggle with motor tasks more than peers, mention it to your pediatrician.
18-24 months
Your toddler may have difficulty with tasks that require sequencing movements, like climbing into a high chair or going down a slide. They may seem to not know how to position their body for activities. If you notice your child consistently struggles with motor planning, discuss it with your doctor.
2-3 years
Dyspraxia becomes more apparent as motor demands increase. Your child may struggle with using utensils, getting dressed, pedaling, and playground activities that peers manage easily. They may avoid new physical activities. An occupational therapy evaluation can identify motor planning difficulties.
3-4 years
If motor planning difficulties persist, a formal evaluation for developmental coordination disorder is recommended. Occupational therapy can provide motor planning strategies and activities. Many children with dyspraxia make excellent progress with appropriate intervention.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed signs of dyspraxia in toddlers and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your toddler consistently struggles to learn new motor tasks.
- Mention if your toddler seems unable to figure out how to position their body for activities.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your toddler is clumsy but learns new motor tasks with practice.
- Clumsiness is improving over time.
- Your toddler can imitate movements and sequences.
- Your toddler is under 2 and motor skills are still developing rapidly.
- Your toddler consistently struggles to learn new motor tasks.
- Your toddler seems unable to figure out how to position their body for activities.
- Motor difficulties are significantly more than peers.
- Your child avoids physical activities due to difficulty.
- Your child has lost motor planning abilities.
- Coordination is declining rather than improving.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice signs of dyspraxia in toddlers — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your toddler is clumsy but learns new motor tasks with practice — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 12-18 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child has lost motor planning abilities.
Related Conditions
My Toddler Seems Very Clumsy
Clumsiness is extremely common and normal in toddlers. Their brains are still developing the neural pathways for coordination, spatial awareness, and balance. Most toddlers appear clumsy compared to older children. However, if clumsiness is persistent, severe, or worsening after age 3, it may be worth evaluating for developmental coordination disorder.
Signs of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects about 5-6% of children. It involves motor coordination difficulties significantly below what is expected for age, affecting daily activities. DCD is typically diagnosed after age 5, but early signs can be apparent in toddlerhood. Early occupational and physical therapy significantly improves outcomes.
My Toddler Trips and Falls Constantly
Frequent tripping and falling is extremely common in toddlers and is usually a normal part of development. Toddlers are still developing balance, coordination, and spatial awareness while moving at speeds their bodies are not quite ready for. Most toddlers become steadier by age 2-3, though some clumsiness is normal well into the preschool years.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is signs of dyspraxia in toddlers normal?
When should I call the doctor about signs of dyspraxia in toddlers?
When is signs of dyspraxia in toddlers normal?
What causes signs of dyspraxia in toddlers?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about signs of dyspraxia in toddlers?
Is signs of dyspraxia in toddlers normal at 12-18 months?
Is signs of dyspraxia in toddlers normal at 18-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for signs of dyspraxia in toddlers?
Does signs of dyspraxia in toddlers go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Signs of Dyspraxia in Toddlers.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed signs of dyspraxia in toddlers and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your toddler consistently struggles to learn new motor tasks.
- Mention if your toddler seems unable to figure out how to position their body for activities.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your toddler consistently struggles to learn new motor tasks.
- Your toddler seems unable to figure out how to position their body for activities.
- Motor difficulties are significantly more than peers.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child has lost motor planning abilities.
- Coordination is declining rather than improving.
My notes
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All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of signs of dyspraxia in toddlers are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child has lost motor planning abilities.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Physical Concerns
My Toddler Seems Very Clumsy
Clumsiness is extremely common and normal in toddlers. Their brains are still developing the neural pathways for coordination, spatial awareness, and balance. Most toddlers appear clumsy compared to older children. However, if clumsiness is persistent, severe, or worsening after age 3, it may be worth evaluating for developmental coordination disorder.
Signs of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects about 5-6% of children. It involves motor coordination difficulties significantly below what is expected for age, affecting daily activities. DCD is typically diagnosed after age 5, but early signs can be apparent in toddlerhood. Early occupational and physical therapy significantly improves outcomes.
My Toddler Trips and Falls Constantly
Frequent tripping and falling is extremely common in toddlers and is usually a normal part of development. Toddlers are still developing balance, coordination, and spatial awareness while moving at speeds their bodies are not quite ready for. Most toddlers become steadier by age 2-3, though some clumsiness is normal well into the preschool years.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment
Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.