Adult diagnosis of dyspraxia

[PeanutButterIsOneWord]

I think I might have dyspraxia. From looking at online resources, I seem to meet a lot of the criteria and have had issues since I was a baby. I would say it has a moderate effect on my life, I can hold down a job and parent my children but I have difficulties with e.g. organisation, timekeeping and clumsiness.

I'm wondering if it's worth trying to get diagnosed. Is there any useful help that can be accessed as an adult? If you were diagnosed as an adult, have you been able to access any therapy / support / medication that has helped you in your day to day life?

@PeanutButterisOneWord I was diagnosed as a child, and haven't found much support as an adult apart from when studying. I think from a medication perspective, nothing is available for dyspraxia just more for other conditions below can have along side it, anxiety, depression and ADHD to name a few. Occupational therapy isn't funded for adults so you would have to look into that yourself.

But knowing that you have it, does give you the right to ask for reasonable adjustments in work and it does give you a better sense of self.

I find I recognise my limits and if i follow healthy habits, it can be easier, i ll never be like a person without dyspraxia in every way but that's something I'm very much at peace with.

Thank you for sharing you experience. It's useful to know that you found benefits to being diagnosed even though theres it much therapy available for adults.

Have you asked for reasonable adjustments at work? If so what are they? For me time management and organisation are what effects me at work as my job isnt very physical. But I'm not sure what I could request to help those things.

@PeanutButterisOneWord I haven't asked for any, as my job is pretty structured with the daily routine and there's no handwriting involved but perhaps having deadlines broken down could be something to ask for.

I was diagnosed through university. From what I can tell, there isn't much support available to adult dyspraxics, especially if we are "coping" because that means there's no incentive for anyone to help us. It can also be difficult to get a diagnosis through the NHS is some areas, and in any case it is long-winded. However, after a bit of a post-diagnosis wobble, knowing I have dyspraxia has had a massive positive impact on my confidence and self-esteem, and I am now more confident in explaining my limits to other people. Have a look at the Dyspraxia Foundation website and on facebook for useful advice.