Dyspraxia Assessment

[NDmuch]

DS6 is being assessed for dyspraxia at community paediatrics tomorrow

Since the original GP appt I'm pretty convinced there's ADHD and possibly autism going on too.

For background we have a lot of neuro diversity in the family including:
DH is undiagnosed autistic.
I'm being referred for ADHD.
DN recently diagnosed with autism

DS knows he has a hospital appointment but I haven't said what for. I don't want it to affect his self esteem or confidence as he's a sensitive boy.

Anyone know what will happen in the assessment?

How would you frame it with him?

(I know it's called Development Coordination Disorder now - it's a bit of a mouthful)

My DD used to see the 'balance doctor'

We used to say things like 'you know how you find X and Y hard? Well, we are going to see someone who might be able to suggest things that could help you'.

Both my DDs had OT assessments at the same time, DD1 was 15, DD2 was 10. They both had to do similar things, though DD1's were a bit harder.

Things I can remember:
Stand on one foot.
Walk backwards heel to toe along a line.
Kneel on all fours and lift diagonally opposite limbs
Through a bean bag at a target on a wall
Follow a maze with a pencil
Move pegs from top to bottom of a board
Bring fingers together so they touch

Throw a bean bag!

We still call it dyspraxia, didn't even know they'd come up with a new name. Not sure what the point was.

I would completely avoid trying to shield him by not telling him what it's for - why would you do that? You're implying that it's something to be ashamed off. Tell him 'you know how you find writing/bike riding/football (or whatever) tricky, well we're going to see a doctor who might know why and give us some ideas to make it a bit easier' (although I wouldn't hold your breath on that one to be fair, you'll probably need to see an OT for that and I'd suspect there's a very long wait).
The assessment will probably just involve asking you some questions and asking him to do a few things, my ds's was very brief although he was there mainly for ASD diagnosis.
Be upbeat and positive about it though and then he won't be concerned.

At the same time DD1 was told 'dyspraxia', DD2 was told DCD.

DD1 has 'other' things such as sensitivity to texture and taste, and poor executive functioning, so I have never been too sure if that is the difference, or just a different professional using a different term.

Consultant changed it at last minute to phone appt so DS went to school as normal.
I was on the phone for half an hour while she asked lots of questions.
I get the whole not being ashamed thing. I just don't know how to not impact his confidence

How much self awareness does your DS have?
Does he realise there are things he has trouble with?

If he does realise, then it will be knocking his self confidence anyway even if he doesn't yet show it.

(ps some of the best people have dyspraxia, eg Daniel Radcliffe of Haryy Potter, and Chris Packham has autism)

Dyspraia is nothing to be ashamed of. My nephew has a first class honours degree and a high flying job in IT and dyspraxia.

His main issue is his unreadable handwriting. Not an issue in this day and age. Having a diagnosis means that he will get extra exam time and maybe use of a laptop. My nephew actually enjoyed the 'tests' at OT. My sister never made a big deal out of it. He knew that he had coordination issues - carrying drinks, tying up laces etc, so it was just shrugged off as him being him.

Thanks everyone

He knows he falls over a lot and he says he's clumsy

He says sorry a lot, far more than is necessary which worries me a bit.