Beats Medical expands with launch of app for children with dyspraxia

It will partner with the country's largest health insurer, VHI, on the new digital therapy service. The company already has users across more than 44 countries for a similar app for sufferers of Parkinson's disease.

The Beats Medical dyspraxia app brings tech-based exercises and interactive games to children in the home daily, said Beats Medical CEO and founder Dr Ciara Clancy.

Dyspraxia is a brain-based condition that makes it hard to plan and coordinate physical movement and it can impact the development of motor skills such as walking, jumping, speech and handwriting.

Recent research from the Dyspraxia Foundation of Ireland found that 82pc of children with the condition are missing out on crucial treatment and therapies due to long waiting lists and financial constraints.

The new Beats technology is not aimed at replacing specialist care but will augment existing care for a condition that it is estimated may affect one in 10 children - or up to 100 million children worldwide, according to Clancy.

The app, which uses a game-based interface to appeal to children, can be adapted to suit the age of the child.

It will cost €330 per year, which includes customer phone support, but will be available to all VHI customers for €50 per annum under the partnership arrangement.

Clancy said the development of the new app marked the company's next stage in expanding its treatment range to other neurological and developmental conditions beyond Parkinson's.

Clancy founded the firm in 2012 and she was named Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur in 2017.

"We are really excited to launch our new app which addresses an important need for families and children to help children with dyspraxia in their early years," she said.

"The app acts as a support for children in a fun and interactive way."