Dyspraxia

[fairyuk24]

Hi there,

Does anyone know anyone that has dyspraxia? I think i have it and want to know more about it. Going to do some research about it i think.

[brum]

I hope you'll be ok.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/dyspraxia2.shtml

[fairyuk24]

thanks

[Narnia]

Dear fairyuk24, why do you think you may be affected by this?

[sophiesofa]

I went to sixth form with a boy/man who was diagnosed with dyspraxia at 18. I haven't seen him for years but certainly back then it didn't affect his life, he was successful and a lovely man too (I did fancy him so maybe I'm biased!).

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

My daughter was diagnosed with a mild form when she was little. Apart from always falling over and grazing her knees when she was younger, it hasn't really affected her at all.

[fairyuk24]

So it's not a big thing then?

[sophiesofa]

I don't think so but like dyslexia you can have it a little bit e.g. you're just a bit crap at spelling and remembering numbers (like me) or more severely where you have to check what you do more thoroughly and takes longer to do some things etc.

I don't think it stands against you in so much as applying for jobs etc. (unless you want to be a ballerina and you have no balance because of it!)

That BBC link brum posted is quite thorough.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

I think there are varying degrees of severity - just lucky that for her it never really affected her. She turned out to be very sporty and good with ball control which was my greatest worry. She is messier than even I am and routine is a foreign word, but I can live with that.

[fairyuk24]

Is it hard to live with?

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Not in my experience. Just had to factor in cost for so many ripped tights.

[Karrie]

[Deleted] Safety reasons

[ontheedge]

fairyuk it's not something you develop suddenly and as you've managed to 24 you will know how hard it is to live with if you have it!

[fairyuk24]

Not nice 'ontheedge'.

[Karrie]

[Deleted] Safety reasons

[ontheedge]

Sorry FairyUK24 didn't mean to be unkind but I guess I was, I too have been wondering lately if this has been my problem, all my school reports went thus, really tries and is very willing,but lacks ability to concentrate, organise thoughts etc. handwriting appalling. I must have had over 100 driving lessons but still can not drive, cannot rote learn, and can not keep my flat in order no matter how hard I try, was always called clumsy and messy could never do aerobic classes or learn dance steps. Absolutely hated the hookie pookie or any such other class thing as a child am ,left handed and clumsy always spill food down my clothes, cannot read maps or tell right from left, dread anyone asking me directions as I can not explain how to get from a-b but can get there on my own. Usually could get to the right conclusions in quatratic equations, theorems and chemical titration just don't ask me to explain the steps I took to get there. Can't hop well or skip. However I've done ok and am pretty happy but things looking back could have been a lot easier.

So the answer is I don't know and a diagnosis doesn't neccessarily make things easier and sorry again if I offended.

[Karrie]

[Deleted] Safety reasons

[Jah Lush]

My dad had it after suffering a stroke.

[Kells]

A friend of mine has it. I'm afraid I'm not too much help - I've tried to think of a job she'd be good at, but I can't. She manages, but everything takes her longer than anybody else. And she does things like forget she has a cat.

ontheedge - your post sounds exactly like her, any tips you have would be appreciated!

[Karrie]

[Deleted] Safety reasons

[boosboss]

My nephew was diagnosed with dyspraxia and dyslexia in early childhood. During middle school he had catch-up tutoring due to being unable to keep up, handwriting being a big issue. At secondary school he was given a typing tablet for regular classes and attended SEN sessions to work on his handwriting etc. He's just finished his second year of a three year business degree at uni, has a part-time job and is generally enjoying student life. He doesn't let his condition stand in his way, just deals with it. It's not all 'sunshine and rainbows' though, he does sometimes shy away from things he finds difficult. We'd like him to drive, but after a few lessons he decided he didn't like driving and found it difficult, didn't need to drive at the moment and has put driving on the back burner. However, when he decides that it's something that he does need to do, he will. He was quite clumsy and heavy handed when he was younger and probably still is when he's not thinking. He does challenge himself with things as well, he's 6'4 and sporty. He's found boxing and the disciplines that come with training help with physical control elements.

He's fortunate I guess, to have a very supportive family who view the conditions as conditions and not disabilities. :))

[fairyuk24]

Would i have to be diagosed by a doctor?

[sophiesofa]

dyspraxia foundation

"Assessment and diagnosis

If you suspect you have dyspraxia you should consult your GP, in the first instance, with a view to being referred to an educational or clinical psychologist, occupational therapist, speech therapist or counsellor. Write your symptoms down, take a friend or relation to support you and be persistent. You can refer yourself to a private therapist or doctor."

At 24 if you're in education still try and get it diagnosed before you leave uni, because otherwise you'll probably have to pay for all the tests.

[fairyuk24]

When i was younder i visited a speech therapist. When i was at school i did find it hard but coped ok with a bit of help.

[Karrie]

[Deleted] Safety reasons