I'm thinking I may be dyspraxic

[garlicagain]

It would explain quite a few things. As I'm menopausal, depressed, anxious AND have CFS/ME, I tend to put my many fuckups down to general malaise or the medications. An old friend got in touch this evening, though, and - as I dropped and broke something while speaking to her - reminded me of some spectacular fuckups of mine from when we were close! She was just being jolly and "you know what you're like" about it, but it made me think.

I looked up www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/services/ad_symptoms.php adult dyspraxia and have about half the listed qualities. None are debilitating, unless I wanted to take up ball sports (can't, don't won't!) and I've overcome some, like rhythm in dancing, and driving, by assiduous practice. My disorganisation and lack of sequential execution are legendary.

I was wondering whether anybody here could join me in a bit of mutual hand-holding, as one generally does following a self-diagnosis. And my second question's about that: Is this worth pursuing? Would a dx make any difference to my life? Or should I just look up a bit of self help, and carry on telling people not to put my drink in their best glassware?

Hi, I think most adults don't bother getting a formal diagnosis but with your complicating medical problems it may be worthwhile.

If you have a diagnosis you can identify which of your problems are caused by the dyspraxia or anything else, and work on them. For example chronic fatigue is a complication if dyspraxia (weak muscle tone, plus difficulty with coordination and needing to concentrate all the time is very tiring!).

You could try occupational therapy or physiotherapy to help with your symptoms.

It's good you found the dyspraxia foundation site. I'd also recommend googling for developmental coordination disorder (an alternative name for the problem), and you may want to try Mary colley's book on living with dyspraxia.

Thanks, Vatta, that's really helpful!
Having mistyped every single word of the above line, simultaneously realising it's two hours later than when I last checked (about half an hour ago ,) I'd probably better give it a rest for tonight.

You make a very good point about concentration being tiring. I shall follow up your recommendations and have a go at some coping strategies.

Knowing that I am dyspraxic, I was diagnosed at fifteen, has been useful to me but not in a huge way. For a start, most people just stare blankly when you tell them about it.
So on a personal level, knowing is great. In relation to the wider world, not so much!