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Original poster

Is there a name for my “condition/disorder”

31 replies

Sidebeforeself · 02/03/2025 19:29

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.

OP posts:
Undethetree · 03/03/2025 10:08

TriathlonTriathlonTriathlon · 03/03/2025 06:29

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.

I'm sure there's some truth in this. But I think it is more that generally speaking, boys tend to gravitate to these activities more than girls . I was told when my kids were toddlers that (in general) little boys take more interest in moving things eg wheels and little girls are more drawn to faces.

My boys love lego and meccano and are always trying to help their dad with tools. My daughter has access to all these things and they try to involve her. Sometimes she joins in but she just isn't interested in the same way.

Btw, I'm like you OP - hopeless with stuff like this and also not interested!!

ScentOfAMoomin · 03/03/2025 10:11

Dyspraxia would be my guess

whatisforteamum · 03/03/2025 10:27

I'm like this and feel I have dyspraxia.
Banging into stuff,ages to learn new things and generally do things the wrong way first time.🤣
Can't dance and took a while to learn to drive.
Can you catch a ball OP ?

Original poster
Sidebeforeself · 03/03/2025 12:47

I can catch a ball fine, not a very good driver though. Not at all clumsy!

OP posts:
Normallynumb · 03/03/2025 13:15

I'm exactly the same. Struggle with drawing, following directions spatial awareness depth perception and spatial awareness
However I have Cerebral palsy and these are the hidden symptoms of my disability( thought I was just dumb at school though)
In your case it does sound like symptoms of dyspraxia. Finding coping strategies are the key.
In short, I'm a liability without them

Normallynumb · 03/03/2025 13:15

I did score 50% on the test linked above though.

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