Supporting the Maths Difficulties of Children with Dyspraxia / DCD in Irish Primary Schools

This presentation will summarise the typical characteristics of children with Dyspraxia/DCD which often overlap with the characteristics of other Specific Learning Disabilities (SpLD). Practical teaching and learning intervention strategies will be suggested to help overcome the students’ barriers to learning particularly in Maths. These are based on an examination of wide-ranging International and Irish relevant research and the many years experience of teaching students with SEN including those with Dyspraxia/DCD. These approaches could also support all children including those with SEN as “good practice will help all learners, but it is an essential for dyspraxic and dyslexic learners” (Chinn in Yeo, 2003: vii).

 A wide range of helpful resources including equipment, books and websites will also be presented and discussed.

 About the Presenter:

Catherine Sweeney is currently ILSA National Chairperson. She taught in inner city Dublin for many years before returning ten years ago to Ennis, Co. Clare to work as a Resource Teacher for Children with SEN and also with Newcomer Children. She has been an INTO/NCTE tutor since 1999.  She was seconded as a Cuiditheoir for Learning Support, Maths and English and is also a local facilitator with the Special Education Support Service.

She has long had an avid interest in supporting children with Dyspraxia/DCD.  Her M.Ed in SEN dissertation was “Good Inclusive Practice for Children with Dyspraxia/DCD in Irish Primary Schools” which was later published by the Dyspraxia Association of Ireland. She has presented countrywide on supporting children with Dyspraxia/DCD for many years.