DS almost 11 suspect may have dyspraxia

[SalaciousCrumb]

Hi....I hope someone may be able to advise us here.

My ds is unable to tie his shoelaces, finds handwriting very difficult but just about copes at school even though he says it hurts his hand. He is unable to ride a bike or scooter also.

These things have never been flagged up by school as he just about gets by. He is assessed with literacy at lower than his capabilities as they can't read his handwriting very well sad

He's asking me if he'll ever be able to ride a bike. He wants to do it but refuses to go anywhere and only tries in our garden then gives up very easily.

Does anybody know of any organisation who run courses etc for children who find it very difficult to ride a bike? It would just take the pressure off us and he's so embarrassed at not being able to do things other children his age can do so easily. He seems to be withdrawing into a world of just skyping friends, not interested in seeing them and when he's not on the computer or ipad doesn't do very much at all sad

We have a referral for CAMHS as a while ago he was self-harming (I've posted before).

Also, how do we go about getting a diagnosis for dyspraxia (if this is the problem...)? As he's got by with level 4s at school (higher in his SATS) they are not interested and don't look beyond the surface, saying there is no sign of it.

Thanks in advance!

[Jellykat]

Hi, i didn't want to leave you unanswered as i have a Dyspraxic DS (now 15) so i know how damaging it is confidence wise.. am off to bed, but will pop back tomorrow.

BTW - Yes it is extremely possible for your DS to ride a bike! my DS got it at 13, but a bit of time spent improving core stability through specific exercise helps.

The Dyspraxic Foundation (googleable) has a helpful website and also a contact telephone number, but i'll pop back tomoz evening if you're around..

[2Retts]

Hi, I also have two dyspraxic (and dyslexic) DC's. They are a lot older but the things you are describing sound very familiar, particularly with my youngest who has more pronounced symtoms.

There is plenty of help and support from a number of organisations and Jellykat has suggested the most prolific of these. There are other online forums dedicated to support for parents in the same situation too. Just Google 'dyspraxia-support', you'll soon find a good 'fit' for you.

It will get better. My DC's have developed great coping techniques and are both now heavily into sport (including cycling).

[2Retts]

PS A referral to an educational psychologist will provide a definitive diagnosis but the waiting list is long (if you're UK based); you can get past this by paying around £200 for a private consultation and analysis.

[mumeeee]

Hi DD3 is dyspracic. She. wasn't very confident and got bullied a bit in high school, She had some OT in put and attended some special sessions at the age of 8 provided by the NHS. Then at 10 she went an hour a week to some private sessions which were partly paid for from
some funding for SEN pupils. This all stopped in high school and we had to push for help, Anyway on to the more positive side of things. She started going to a Drama club at 11 which really boosted her confidence and as she wasn't competing academically with the other members she made friends with a few friends. She is now 21 and still goes to Drama she is now in the 15 to 25 youth group and they are going in tour with this year's performance. At school she had a writing slope which helped with her writing. She was also allowed to write on every other line in her books. If there was a lot of writing she would get printed work sheets. She had a scribe and extra time in her exams. Although she atil didn't do well in her GCSEs.. She went to college at 16 and has done a few courses. Now at 21 she is off to university in September. She has just finished BTECH Extended Diploma in IT and looks like she has done fairly well.She is just waiting for the final results. If anyone had said to us when she was 11 that she
would be going to university we would have laughed at them, We have found doing stuff like swiming and other exercises has helped her, She still has trouble tying her laces tight enough. You cab get those elastic self tying laces which may help your son.They are not childish as runners use them. Anyway ask the school ti put some support in place and also refer him to an ed physiologist. DD3 was on school action plus which meant the school could. access some outside help.She also had an IEP that was done by the school and discussed with me, This set out what her targets were and what was in place to help her, Be prepared for a lotI of hard work and pushing to get things done. but you'll get there in the end. Sorry for the massive pist hope it is of some help to you.