Dublin tech company launches new dyspraxia therapy app for children

With long waits for kids' dyspraxia treatment in Ireland, a new app has been launched to help young sufferers' development.

Dublin-based Beats Medical has created the app to make care for the condition more accessible. Up to one in ten children are affected by dyspraxia, a brain-based condition which affects motor skills. It can impact a child's ability to balance, walk, write, type, play, cycle a bike and carry out other tasks that require coordination. Dyspraxia can also have an affect on a child's social skills and their planning, organisation, working memory and emotional development. These issues can carry on into adulthood if the condition isn't treated. Research from the Dyspraxia Foundation of Ireland found that more than four in every five children (82 per cent) with the condition miss out on treatments like physiotherapy and occupational therapy because of long waiting lists and financial constraints. The Beats Medical Dyspraxia App has a space theme and allows users of different ages to play interactive games and exercises. "Children and young teens with Dyspraxia enjoy gaming and working out puzzles that challenge their knowledge and quick responses," said Harry Conway of Dyspraxia Ireland. "We view this app as a very good tool which will help children and young teens improve both their fine and gross motor skills while having fun." Like many specific therapies, the app doesn't come cheap. It costs €330 per year, though VHI health insurance customers can avail of a discount.