To wonder if dyspraxia is the answer?

[Slavetotherave1]

Long post alert - sorry.

DS is 5.5

He was a bit on the late side with most major milestones - sat up at 8/9 months, crawled at 11 months, walked 17 months, pointed at 18 months, talking at 2 years plus. That said, his speech is excellent now and developed very quickly once it started. Now has perfect functional speech and holds excellent back and forth conversation. No real concerns there other than he does like to whisper to himself at times, although it doesn’t seem echolalic or anything like that, more like he’s thinking out loud at times/processing rather than communication.

He is resistant to physical activity, has to be pushed/encouraged to partake. That said, he can ride a bike and scooter fairly competently but he had his bike for over a year before he would get on the blooofy thing despite having mastered the skill. We were at the stage of telling him we’d get rid of it before he decided he wanted to ride it after all 🙈 He is really struggling with swimming and seems to be making VERY slow progress but he is making progress. Very reluctant to lose the armbands though. He was overly cautious as a child at things like soft play, very risk averse. He has no interest in drawing, colouring, craft but will do so if pushed. He is behind with his fine motor skills, particularly with handwriting and pencil grip - this has been highlighted by his reception teacher as he has large messy writing and struggles with using scissors etc. However he is good at Lego and can have fairly good dexterity with this. He is a very messy eater and struggles with using cutlery - he still uses only a fork and spoon and we cut up his food for him. He is left handed (we think) but there is ongoing uncertainty over his hand dominance. He has poor short term memory and lack of ability to follow instructions at times (very easily distracted) but his long term memory is amazing. He fidgets constantly (mostly jiggling his legs) and always seems to need to fiddle with something. He cannot resist picking something up if he’s sat down, even if told to leave it alone. He can be clumsy, often knocking over drinks/dropping things and I often notice bruises on his legs which he doesn’t know how he got. He is full of energy at times and runs and jumps and throws himself at the sofa, particularly when excited or watching tv - I don’t then this is a stim or a tic as he’s aware he’s doing it and is happy to converse with me while doing it and is easily distracted from it. But could perhaps be explainer as sensory seeking? He struggles a little socially, and seems better in smaller groups. That said, he loves going to parties etc but he does seem happier playing with 1 or 2 children than in large groups. He has a best friend at school and he can be a bit controlling/bossy over what they do/play. He is probably more confident talking to adults but he will chat happily to other kids once he’s warmed up a bit/given encouragement. There’s probably more but these are the things that spring to mind.

He is very happy though, he’s confident and he really enjoys school. Very kind and empathetic little boy. No issues with food (he’s an amazing eater and will tuck into all sorts), sleeps well, and doesn’t appear to have sensory issues with anything although he did like looking at lights as a baby/young toddler 🤷‍♀️ He’s fine with transitions and doesn’t have any difficulty around routines or repetitive behaviour etc. He enjoys parties, loud/busy places and doing new things/meeting people, nothing like that seems to phase him, in fact he embraces it. I wouldn’t say he has any obsessional interests although he likes trains, planes, cars and Spider-Man and likes reading books about them.

I’m so aware that a lot of these things can just be normal for a boy of his age but bearing in mind he had some delays in his early milestones does anyone think dyspraxia could be the answer? I would really appreciate any input or advice. TIA x

He just sounds normal OP. He sounds like he's doing great in loads of areas. I've just been told my DD is probably dyslexic and dyspraxic (as is her dad) and her physicality was always her slowest development area but they've called it out over things like her numbers being backwards. They wouldn't diagnose that til he's older anyway I don't think.

This is so spooky. My child is identical! Literally everything you have written I'd say about my 5.5 year old, Even down to the lego. I too am wondering the same. No advice but you're not alone

Really? That is spooky. I’ve wondered before about other possibilities but when I started reading about dyspraxia there were so many things that started to make sense. I think if he is affected, it is probably fairly minor, but I’m reluctant to seek any official input/push for any diagnosis as it doesn’t seem necessary at the moment. He’s doing well academically in every area apart from writing etc and he’s happy which is the main thing

It's probably too early to be absolute but I would keep an eye on the possibility.

I recognise some of my eldest DS in your post who was diagnosed with dyspraxia around 11/12, now in his 20s. He was delayed in all his milestones too - not vastly so but enough to notice. He never crawled and was almost 2 before walking.

The biggest issues started from about age 9-10 as he was getting a lot of joint pain to the point where lengthy bouts of walking were a struggle as was writing. The OT found he was hyper-mobile alongside the dyspraxia. He ended up using a laptop and scribe at school because even now his writing resembles that of Year 1 child. He also was found to have difficulties in the area of working memory/processing. He has some sensory issues mostly around background noise and busy places but again this only really was confirmed when he became old enough to articulate it.

I would make a point of raising your concerns with the school Senco even if at this stage it's just a case of keeping an eye on how he progresses. My DS was diagnosed a bit too late than ideal - he was on the cusp of going to secondary and wasn't very open to support accommodations as he headed into his teens. If he'd been used to support with some things from an earlier age it might have gone a bit smoother.

My now adult son is extremely dyspraxic and dyslexic. Sounds very similar. Wouldn't surprise my if yours is similar from the description. My son still can't ride a bike though but can swim!

On the point of learning to swim. He did learn eventually and can swim adequately now but we went through about 4 different swim schools over a number of years to get there.

You could be describing DS1 to the letter. Following with interest.

My son has dyspraxia and a lot of what you have said is similar to what he was like at that age.
He is 7 now, hates Lego, jigsaws, art, anything at all to do with fine motor skills, but can cycle (since 5), loves football etc. was slow enough at progressing at swimming, but did one-to-one lessons which really helped him along. He's always on the go too, never sits still, always fidgeting etc. sensory seeker
he has other additional needs but a lot of what you are saying ticks the dyspraxia boxes. We got private assessment & he does blocks of OT & lots of OT work at home. Handwriting, drawing, cutting, colouring still a big issue in school.
Personally, I would get assessment done if you feel he might have it, as early intervention is key for helping him. Or follow some OT's on insta, lots of great tips for OT work you can do at home!

Sounds very similar to my DD 6, teacher flagged that they suspected dyspraxia last year, OT have since confirmed it and she is now having sensory integration therapy to help her to build confidence and have more awareness in her body.

My girl was also very risk adverse and would not get on play equipment if other children were using it as she likes to take her time felt pressured. I have been taking her to quieter SEN/support sessions for things like trampolining where she can have more space to build up these skills and this is working really well. Good luck!

I'm undiagnosed but fairly sure I have dyspraxia. I have awful hand eye coordination, have difficulty doing tasks that use both hands. Yesterday I was out walking when I walked into a bollard, I rarely walk down a passageway with ricocheting of the walls. I also had the handwriting problem, music books cured me of that.

I think your son is a little young to be diagnosed as a lot of these symptoms seem age appropriate.

Yes I wondered this but on the other hand, everything I have read points to an early diagnosis being better for the child. But on the other hand, I don’t want to chase a diagnosis that may not be there if it won’t benefit him in any way. I appreciate that some of these behaviours he may well grow out of. He’s on the whole an easy going child, he’s never had a meltdown or serious tantrums which I imagine he would it he was internally struggling?

I suppose the things that make me think dyspraxia may not be the answer is that he is able to do some gross motor skills quite well. As I said in my OP, once he got on his bike and scooter, he picked it up quite well. I don’t think his running style is particularly unusual although he does seem to lack stamina. The fine motor skills things are more of a concern although as I said, Lego doesn’t appear to cause him any difficulties but give him a pen and paper or a knife and fork! I’m in such a quandary with this

I shouldn’t say this but could he just be a bit lazy? If he doesn’t enjoy something he doesn’t want to do it, which I suppose is the same for most 5 year olds?

My DS has dyspraxia and you've nailed a lot of the traits on the head.
The only difference is he hit his milestones quite early on, although never crawled but walked at 10 months.

We've been to speech and language therapy, occupational therapy (where she suggested to wear basketball shoes to help with strengthening ankles for better co ordination) regular "movement " breaks in school to help concentration
, it's amazing how much it explained when we got a diagnosis tbh, bull in a china shop is the only way to describe the trail of destruction he causes 😂😂😂

One of mine is dyspraxic, He is 14 and cannot swim, tie shoelaces, ride a bike. Despite lessons in all these things ad nauseum. His handwriting is so bad he will use a computer for assessments.

It was a low point when he had to sit out of his primary school swimming gala and his teacher told me that him not being able to swim was ; 'A parenting issue not a coordination issue'. Yeah right. Tell that to his specialists.

I don't think not being able to do those things at your DS's age is neccessarily a concern OP (but I have as my guide a child who still can't do those things so my perception may be skewed!). But definitely keep it in mind.

I’m dyspraxic and have a dyspraxic 9 year old boy: obviously I’m not going to try and diagnose your son but a lot of what you say sounds like dyspraxia to me.

The waiting lists for assessment can be very long so I’d look into getting on the waiting list at least - if he grows out of any issues then you haven’t lost anything and can just cancel your place.

But specialist occupational therapy to help fine motor skills and ability to sit still and listen to instructions can be amazing, there will be all kinds of techniques and equipment that the experts can try.

Sounds similar to my 4yo son. His teacher mentioned dyspraxia also - whilst saying she’s not a medical professional obviously.

Thing is he CAN follow instructions at times. At school he’s usually a lot better than he is at home, although at carpet time it has been noticed that he fidgets constantly. It’s at home where I’m usually tearing my hair out having told him to get into his pyjamas four times and he’s still swanning about in the nuddy

Does anyone know if I need a referral from the school/GP or can I self refer him? If it gets to that stage?

DD was diagnosed with dyspraxia at about 6 years old. She was seeing a development paediatrician through the ASD pathway. She had had a Griffiths assessment at age 3 which flagged coordination difficulties anyway so was referred to Occupational therapy at age 5.

She loves drawing and has the fine motor skills to do it well, she can use a swing and writes very well. However, she cannot ride a bike or a scooter as she cannot balance. She had a summer school of bike riding lessons with Occupational therapists when she was 7 and still no luck. They tried everything but all she had at the end of the 10 lessons was 2 skinned knees and 2 skinned elbows. So we've come to accept that she won't be able to ride a bike. I should say she also has a cerebral visual impairment so probably not safe for her to ride anyway.

She's doing well with swimming. We found a great swim school who refuse to use armbands because they can hinder movement in some children so we use a noodle. After a year of lessons she can climb in and out of the pool without using the steps and she can swim 12m without a noodle. It's not perfect swimming and does sort of look like she's attacking the water sometimes but she stays afloat.

This has made me smile OP as I have a very similar ds. I always considered dyspraxia but ruled it out because he was so so good at Lego and riding a bike!

He is 16 now and tall (6 ft 4) and the only thing I can think of now that still impacts him is sport. Much to every sports coach dismay due to his height, he is pretty rubbish at anything requiring any form of coordination. He just can’t take an instruction and physically do it if that makes sense. So you will say to him bend your arm like this and he can’t copy it. Not because he physically can’t - it’s difficult to explain! I’m similar and would find it difficult to learn dance routines etc.

He has however found sport that doesnt need those skills though. He can run and go to the gym. He just isn’t in the rugby and football teams like all his friends. He is also the most fantastic 16 yo boy in the world!

He’s on the whole an easy going child, he’s never had a meltdown or serious tantrums which I imagine he would it he was internally struggling?

My DS was a very easy going small child. He started to show signs of struggling/meltdowns from about 8 onwards.

I suppose the things that make me think dyspraxia may not be the answer is that he is able to do some gross motor skills quite well.

Profiles can be skewed. My DS cannot write in a legible way even as an adult but he can beautifully paint tiny warhammer figures.

I'm dyspraxic (diagnosed at 21 by a neurologist and neuropsychologist).

Your son sounds a lot like me except I still can't ride a bike (or drive but your son is some way off attempting to learn that).

Dyspraxics often have a spiky profile, lots of dyspraxic people may have better gross motor skills and worse fine motor skills and vice versa. I can apply make up reasonably competently but I can't style my hair for toffee. I can swim in my own style (my PE teacher argued technically it wasn't a recognisable technique but acknowledged I didn't drown) but I can't ride a bike or walk with a normal gait.

I couldn't pour drinks without overflowing the glass until I was about 16. I was 17 before I was allowed to carry my cereal bowl from the kitchen to the living room as I kept spilling it. I'm in my 30s now and am still not allowed to take a cup of tea upstairs in my parents house unless it is in a lidded cup.

I would pursue a diagnosis. If he wants to learn to drive at 17 knowing he has dyspraxia will help him and you can get a specialist driving instructor for him. You may also be able to work on areas of difficulty now and help him improve his motor skills. I didn't have any of that as a child.

My dd is dyspraxic, we were told at 3 that she would be diagnosed later on and she was. She was later than your ds to ride a bike but she is a good swimmer. Swimming is brilliant for dyspraxic kids so persist with it if you can. She was a bit later that her peers tying shoe laces and stuff like that and is a bit crap at sports but other than that she is getting on fine.

Not much help but just wanted say you can get fab cutlery on amazon which may help him. If you Google cutlery for asd kids they should show up . But they can be for any child who struggles with cutlery