Is there a name for my “condition/disorder”

[Sidebeforeself]

I realise people on the internet cant diagnose etc but just interested in others experiences

I have a “condition” or whatever the correct term is which seems to be getting worse as I get older. I simply cannot fathom how anything mechanical, with moving /separate parts work or fits together. For example I struggle with:
Locking/unlocking doors
Working out how to take something apart like a hoover to change the filter
Working out how to set up/put down a pram or car seat ( including how to fasten the straps)

So nothing unusual, just everyday tasks. I always end up either having to get someone else to do it or breaking something. If Ive been shown I will instantly forget.Its become a family joke but its nit funny really

Anyone else like this or know what its called if is a common thing? Im otherwise quite dexterous and not generally clumsy.

Your skills probably lie in other areas. I was going to suggest Dyspraxia until I read the last bit. Can you ride a bike, fasten shoe laces?
You could look on the Dyspraxia foundation website.

I wondered dyspraxia, too. I've known a couple of people with it and if they hadn't told me, I wouldn't have guessed so I don't think it always presents as obvious clumsiness.

Dyspraxia. Also, have you ever thought yourself as less than neuro typical?

Hi .. I looked at dyspraxia but I didn’t think it really fitted my issues. Yes I’m sure I’m NT

Sorry I should have said in my Op that I did t think it was dyspraxia

Is it a spatial awareness thing? What are you like with directions, maps, those kind of IQ puzzles where you have to manipulate shapes etc?

That sounds like a lack of aptitude for mechanical things, rather than any kind of condition.

I’m fine with maps. I’m not looking to have anything wrong by the way… happy for it to just be me being hopeless with mechanical things! But it is very noticeable and frustrating

Mechanical aptitude

aptitude-test.com/aptitude-tests/mechanical/

Maybe it’s not a condition or disorder and it’s just not your strong point.

Most people have things they are better at than others.

I'm shit at stuff like this too. I think it's to do with lack of patience and lack of interest in how things work/are put together. My spatial awareness is awful as well. That said I'm otherwise very clever so not sure whats going on with me!

I wondered about an issue with kinesthetic learning/memory, or spatial awareness as mentioned by pp. It could be a confidence thing...like you know you're not great with mechanical things so you 'zone out' when shown how they work, and get flustered when trying to work things out yourself.

Interesting I just did this and got 75% I’ll take that 🤣

That’s very true.. I can feel it going over my head when someone explains something!

That’s test isn’t relevant I’m afraid .. it’s not about my knowledge it’s about my physical ability to operate stuff

"Locking/unlocking doors"

What about doors that you are very familiar with? The doors in your home?

Possibly strength and coordination then.

I got everything right on that apart from what LED stands for and I'm hopeless at the things tbe OP describes! I did very well academically but like you OP always need help with putting up/collapsing things and often ask for help because I know I'll break them otherwise. I like to think part of it is just lack of practice....

It's not it's a brain thing too.

I absolutely love a flat pack, find them easy with or without instructions. DH on the other hand...

probably just general brain fog

@Sidebeforeself it sounds like you are "heavy handed" and can't "feel" when things are/aren't working and force things.

I feel your pain! These types of things just baffle me. The second most annoying thing about this 'condition' to me is a workman who may come to do a job I really really can't comprehend then proceed to try and explain everything they are doing. Omg I want to lose the will to live! Please just fix it and GO 🤣

No it’s ones I’m unfamiliar with… I spend ages twisting and turning, pulling etc . Whereas DH just does it the first time!

I hate to say it but I know a lot of women like this (and some men to be honest! But it seems to affect women more).

As kids my boys play with mechano, Lego, computer games etc as did my brother when we were kids. From an early age I feel boys are conditioned to explore, break things and learn about the world physically.

Girls are taught to look pretty, play with a doll, especially in the 70s/80s. So much of what you’re saying can be taught, but as you say you have no interest. I think that interest is nurtured in child hood, so (some) boys get a massive head start in all things mechanical. Their dad is more likely to teach them to use a screw driver and so on. Just my take as it sounds like there’s nothing actually wrong with you.

I’m also academically able, financially I’m strong, I’m good at quite a few sports too (which require special awareness and some of them are pretty technical), and I struggle in some of the areas you mention.

The Dyspraxia Foundation has sadly closed down.. 😔 😔(EDIT... But the information is still available!)