What is praxis?

Praxis is a more complex skill that skilled occupational therapists can address through playful, imaginative and fun therapy. Praxis is a three- step skill, which includes ideation, motor planning and execution. When children have difficulty with completing novel (i.e. new) tasks, it can often be related to difficulties with praxis. Let’s discuss the three steps. Ideation refers to the initial step of praxis. This is when a child produces an idea or plan to carry out a novel task. The next step, motor planning, is the child’s ability to plan motor sequences to carry out the task. Execution is the final step where the child carries out the plan that was thought about and planned. Sometimes children have difficulty with everyday occupations due to difficulties with praxis, as they have difficulty with one or all of the three steps of praxis.

​

​

What signs do we see in children who have a weakness in praxis?

• Difficulty with gross motor tasks (i.e. jumping, jumping jacks, navigating playground apparatus)

• Difficulty with following directions/ sequencing multi-step tasks

• Difficulty with self-care tasks (i.e. feeding, dressing)

• Difficulty with imitating postures / movements

• Difficulty with forming letters in handwriting

• Difficulty with organization

​

​

What is sensory integration?

A lot of times, sensory integration problems are not obvious, but they are very common for children. The problems can affect your child’s ability to learn in school and can also cause poor behaviors, even if your parenting skills are great! It is important to have an Occupational Therapy evaluation, as they are the best trained practitioners to identify problems with sensory integration. Once the area of difficulty is identified, your child will live a more successful and happier life.