What jobs do your clever dyspraxic young adults do?

[Meltingmowbray]

DS15 has severe dyspraxia (diagnosed aged 4) which impacts every aspect of his life - he has less independence than most kids his age because he can’t use keys, zips, buttons, cook, etc. But he’s a bright, cheerful lad (in top sets, expected 7-9s). A’levels will be humanities based, these are his strengths. But what job is he realistically going to be able to get? Currently trying to arrange a block of work experience and it’s depressing.

School has been a hard slog (for us both! I’ve had to fight for him to have accommodations he needs). I remembered today an OT saying to me when he was about 8 that “it would get better once he left school, he’ll find his feet then”. But now that’s approaching and I can’t see what career paths might open for him.

So what jobs have your clever adult children with dyspraxia ended up doing? Are there any good ideas here?

please don't shoot me for saying this, but I typed in all DS's interests, school marks, and difficulties into Chat GPT and asked it to suggest some career paths. I then suggested them to DS and we looked for some videos about the different jobs. He picked out 3 and he's done a couple of work experience placements now, and enjoyed them both! What DS is doing will be of no interest to your DS, as mine is very much bottom sets for everything. I was quite impressed and would never have come up with the ideas on my own.

My son was diagnosed dyspraxic at rhe same age. Not as severe as yours (he can cook and do the other things you mentioned). He had a fair degree of executive dysfunction and had extra time in exams.

He's in his 30s now. He has a first in mathematics and taught secondary maths for a few years. Teaching is a really tough job for someone with dyspraxia, so much admin! He left teaching and now works in finance.

Apart from not having learned to drive yet, he is doing well in his life and deals with any issues well. There's been some ups and downs of course but he's grown up as a kind, clever, good man that we are very proud of.

I know your son is more humanities rather than STEM but he'll find his way. Dyspraxia doesn't mean he won't have a good life and a successful career.

I was diagnosed at 24 after struggling in school and struggling with jobs. I’ve been bullied by managers who thought I wasn’t any good, been forced out of roles etc. I work for the NHS now and love my job. I even dropped out of uni because I thought I was stupid. Your child will Excell x

My best friend is clever and dyspraxic. She works in financial services. She learned to drive aged 32 (automatic only).