Ds almost 11 suspect he's dyspraxic

[SalaciousCrumb]

Hi....I hope someone may be able to advise us here.

My ds is unable to tie his shoelaces, finds handwriting very difficult but just about copes at school even though he says it hurts his hand. He is unable to ride a bike or scooter also.

These things have never been flagged up by school as he just about gets by. He is assessed with literacy at lower than his capabilities as they can't read his handwriting very well

He's asking me if he'll ever be able to ride a bike. He wants to do it but refuses to go anywhere and only tries in our garden then gives up very easily.

Does anybody know of any organisation who run courses etc for children who find it very difficult to ride a bike? It would just take the pressure off us and he's so embarrassed at not being able to do things other children his age can do so easily. He seems to be withdrawing into a world of just skyping friends, not interested in seeing them and when he's not on the computer or ipad doesn't do very much at all

We have a referral for CAMHS as a while ago he was self-harming (I've posted before).

Also, how do we go about getting a diagnosis for dyspraxia (if this is the problem...)? As he's got by with level 4s at school (higher in his SATS) they are not interested and don't look beyond the surface, saying there is no sign of it.

Thanks in advance!

Speak to your gp - they can refer him to a suitable specialist for diagnosis. Take a look at the dyspraxia foundation and danda websites (sorry on phone do can't link), they have useful guidance which may help you explain your concerns to the gp.

Ask for a referral to OT via GP. General coordination and balance exercises would help him but ds still can't/won't ride a bike at 15.

Hi there. On bus with phone but did it want to run. I have 9 year old dyspraxic DD. Will PM you great bike teaching site and yes best resource is dyspraxia foundation. For diagnoses we went private educational psychologist for diagnoses and then gp referred to children's services where a Doctor, physio and occupational therapist confirmed diagnoses and put her on the appropriate interventions ( physio for balance, core strength etc, OT for life skills like cutting food and shoelaces, Handwriting Classes and then when she gets to secondary they will do a self care class and typing one. There is also a university in Wales that have a research centre (can't remember the name) who have some great books/ leaflets for older children. I will send this titles to you tonight. Apologies again for poor typing, lack of paras but bus is very bumpy!

Your council may do classes related to Bikeability.

Thanx for replies everybody. I spoke to a lady today who assesses kids privately for dyspraxia and she said in her opinion he needs neurological testing and physio. Not affecting him education ally so.not her remit :(

I will ring dyspraxia foundation thanx for
all suggestions.

A private OT dx'd my DS with dyspraxia. She saw him once a week for about 6months-1 year. Having had writing that looked like a spider had walked across the page, he ended up being the first in his class to get a pen licence (means they have best writing so can write in pen). He also couldn't ride a bike, swim, loads of other stuff and it all clicked into place after seeing her. Life changing. She is in SW London/'burbs. Don't know if that's any good for you but if you want please PM me and I can give you her details.

My DS wasn't affected educationally either, although he certainly wasn't fulfilling his potential, but this is so important for their self-esteem if nothing else. They need to fit in!

Also, a guy who used to come and fix our bikes told me that there are council courses that help with bike riding difficulties. Should be easy for you to find if you look on your council website.

Hasn't the DF helpline closed down ? You can ask gp for referral to a paed and /or OT.