Child Development - RESEARCH

Motor Coordination: Enhancing Understanding and Support

Assessing children's motor skills is critical for early detection of developmental issues influencing cognitive and social growth. Proficient motor skills contribute to academic success, good self-esteem, and overall physical well-being, impacting daily activities and adaptive functioning. Identifying disruptions in neurodevelopment affecting motor skills is essential, guiding targeted interventions for comprehensive child development.

Main Research Call – 2024

In 2024 we invited applications looking at

• Advancing the understanding of Dyspraxia and motor coordination difficulties through brain imaging, improved phenotyping, and genetic studies.
• Supporting interventions enhancing motor skills in children, emphasizing school, home, and community-based projects.

Please see the active research calls page for information on the deadlines and timelines for this call.

Capacity Building Initiatives (UK): Dyspraxia

We have generated some fascinating research over the last 15 years, developed strong relationships with key people and, we hope, helped new researchers come in to the field. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the underfunding and limited understanding of this condition compared to others NDCs.
Recognising the need for increased support from larger funders, for 2024-2026, we will have an additional focus to:

• Conduct a priorities setting exercise to address patient and stakeholder needs
• Undertake an Economic Cost of Dyspraxia study across the lifespan.

For these initiatives, we encourage UK-based universities to apply (although co-applicants internationally are of course welcome).  Interested researchers, please submit a 1-page research plan by February 1st, 2024.

Dyspraxia Small Grants (2024): Expanding Research Horizons

In addition to our focused initiatives, we invite researchers to explore new avenues within Dyspraxia studies. This would include qualitative research, studies involving adults, and supporting pilot data collection for larger funding applications. The call for these grants will be announced in early 2024 and anticipate to be between £10k-£15k. We will be  welcoming applications from UK-based researchers for these, while our main research call remains open to international universities.