What is often dismissed as simple clumsiness could in fact be a significant and overlooked neurological condition, leaving thousands at a dramatically higher risk of serious injury. New research highlights that dyspraxia, or developmental coordination disorder (DCD), leads to a shockingly high frequency of falls, yet remains absent from key public health strategies designed to prevent them.
The Stark Reality of Living with Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia affects approximately 5 per cent of the population, impairing the brain's ability to plan and coordinate physical movement. For those living with it, stumbling or falling is not an occasional accident but a daily hazard. A recent study has quantified this risk, revealing that adults with dyspraxia are nine times more likely to experience a fall at least once or twice every month compared to the general population.
The problem starts young. The research indicates that over half of all children with the condition suffer falls on a weekly basis. These are not minor trips; they often result in significant injuries including fractures and concussions, posing a serious threat to their wellbeing and development.
The Hidden Psychological Toll of Frequent Falls
Beyond the immediate physical harm, the constant risk of falling inflicts a deep and lasting psychological impact. Individuals report living with persistent fear and anxiety about their next stumble, which erodes self-esteem and can lead to social withdrawal and isolation. The study found that a striking 72 per cent of people with dyspraxia express a high level of concern about falling, a statistic that underscores the mental burden they carry every day.
This combination of physical danger and emotional distress creates a cycle that limits participation in everyday activities, education, and work, affecting quality of life far beyond the moment of a fall.
A Call for Recognition and Action in Public Health
Despite the clear evidence of high frequency and severe consequences, dyspraxia is currently missing from major public health fall prevention guidelines. These guidelines, which shape NHS and community care, predominantly focus on older adults or other specific conditions, leaving a large gap in support for those with DCD.
Experts, including those behind the study reported on Wednesday 3 December 2025, are now issuing urgent calls for change. Their recommendations include:
- Formally recognising Developmental Coordination Disorder in all clinical fall risk assessments.
- Urging schools and community organisations to proactively address fall risks for children and adults with the condition.
- Developing and implementing strategies for emotional and psychological support to tackle the anxiety associated with falling.
- Launching public awareness campaigns to increase understanding of dyspraxia beyond mere 'clumsiness'.
The goal is clear: to transform how healthcare systems and society at large perceive and support individuals with dyspraxia, moving from oversight to inclusion and from risk to resilience.
