I have dyspraxia - ask me anything!

[9amTrain]

Didn't think I'd be making one of these.

What are your biggest challenges?

Do you find it hard to plan things eg writing down your thoughts or following instructions which are several steps long?

When were you diagnosed?

Do you think the label has helped you and if so, how?

Thank you!

I was diagnosed around the age of 11.

It has helped me in the sense that I have a reason for why I can be so unbelievably clumsy and awkward, in various ways. It's not as straight forward as tripping over or dropping things either.

Anything that requires coordination or logic is a problem for me. I have to micro-plan every physical movement I do and it still often goes wrong and I can't see why... from making the bed to tying a knot in a bin bag. I just do it and hope for the best.

My biggest challenges are smaller, fiddly things e.g. handling coins, tying knots.

I just do everything awkwardly and it doesn't process properly even when I try to really think about how to do something. It's stressful a lot of the time and it's the biggest source of what makes me nervous is certain situations, is being aware of it and not being able to do anything about it.

There's a disconnect between my brain and my body, to sum it up.

I'm rambling!

Thanks for the questions!

Also!

It's a thing that tall people generally can't dance well isn't it? (Is it?)

Well imagine a very tall person with dyspraxia trying to dance.

I mostly refuse to put myself through the humiliation of it, even when extremely drunk. I just cannot move, never mind dance. 😂

Oh and yes I find it hard to follow instructions and have to ask several times. However in writing I'm much more ... Elaborate (?) And concise than I am verbally. I can't seem to express myself well at all in person.

I also don't process things I've read in order which is why I come back and realise I've missed out part of your post and end up replying in 10 posts!

Do you feel people understand the condition? Do people in your experience view it as a joke or have you come across people being nasty because they think you’re lazy, careless, etc.

Can you drive 9AMTrain?

I'm 100% certain I have dyspraxia and am also very tall. I was just labelled verycclumsy as a child- a long time ago. I've failed 4, yes 4 automatic driving tests so have to use public transport. Like you I really struggle with all of throngs you mentioned.
What time of work do you do? Do you tire easily? I really do and only work part time.

How do you cope with overstimulus (is that a word ? ) if my Dd has had a full on day she just seems to shut down and hides away

do you like dancing 9am? I dance a lot with my children - I'm ungainly, tall, clumsy (dropping/tripping a lot) can't drive and have the co-ordination of a gnat - I love dancing though, it makes me feel happy so I dance at home and don't have to worry about what it looks like.

Do you have any advice on what might help a DS or DD approaching exam questions, particularly long form ones? Thanks :)

How many times a month do you "helpfully" get informed that "oh I bet you didn't know Daniel Radcliffe has dyspraxia did you?"

Yes I'm getting really rather sick of this gem of comfort over DD2's difficulties at the moment

@guinea36 I don't think many people understand it. People seem to think it's just about being clumsy and falling over. Nobody really seems acknowledges that I have it though, thankfully! My friends and family just accept me as I am. I don't like people watching me do anything though, because I get nervous and mess it up even more.

@legofansmum it sounds like it would be worthwhile investigating it for you. It certainly sounds possible.

I don't drive, I've never tried but I think I'd be a danger to everyone and I'm too scared. Maybe one day I'll give it a go but I don't mind public transport.

I do tire extremely easily, I'm always tired and I'm often in agony after a couple of hours of being on my feet, if not less. I work part time as a cleaner and it feels comparable to a full time job I used to have (sitting down!). I'm wrecked!

@MrsJayy I remove myself from situations if they're likely to be overwhelming and don't let anyone try to tell me to stay etc. I need a lot of alone time. In fact I've barely seen anyone for months. When I shut down I can barely talk.

@hotcrossapple I loathe dancing. it's just so uncomfortable for me.

@TemporarySolution sorry, I am terrible at exam questions and have never been able to write more than two pages. It's incredibly difficult for me to structure something lengthy. Worst person to ask.

@5000KallaxHoles fortunately never nobody really knows I have it, or at least they don't know the name of it. They probably know I'm clumsy and awkward and everything else!

Thanks for all the questions!!

What was the most helpful support your received ? What's the best thing a parent of a dyspraxic child can do to support ? ( many thanks for letting us ask )

@HermonieGranger the only support I've received directly related to having dyspraxia is recently being granted a laptop with specialist software, which I've yet to use. So that I can record lectures in various ways and utilise different learning methods because I wasn't very successful at my first uni attempt. hopefully it is helpful.

I think the best thing a parent can do is normalise their differences and be as patient as you possibly can. Don't bring attention to anything or make them feel awkward if they do something wrong that seems easy I guess.

Small example is my nan came in while I was changing my bedding and I got stuck inside it. People who aren't understanding would think "what a knob! Why can't you do this simplest of tasks!!?!" But she just laughed and helped me. This is why I could never work in a customer facing role or handling cash etc, because it would cause me to have a meltdown and I've pretty much successfully avoided them for a long long time.

Thanks!