Dyspraxia

[Tigermummy123321]

Hello all. Wasn't sure about posting this, but hoping for some candid replies. We took our soon to an OT who said he might have dysgraphia. They have also suggested that he might have signs of dyspraxia. Does anybody have any experience of how this affects applications to the private schools? I have heard that they sometimes have an extra assessment for them (which is good) but does anyone have experience of refusal of a place because of this at all? I know the legalities to it but was interested in any anecdotal evidence from parents because this was a bit of a surprise to us.

I have no idea in relationship to private schools but I would definitely do some reading around dyspraxia, which is often diagnosed now as Developmental Coordination Disorder. It can affect motor skills, language, processing and quite a lot of things, far more than the old term “clumsy child syndrome” really conveys. If your child does have this, they will need some support, possibly in areas you wouldn’t expect. (Speaking as the parent of a child with DCD)

Essentially many schools talk about being inclusive and aren’t and will stealth reject (while not saying why) where there are diagnoses of neurodivergence or accept and manage out later.

I would say that you want a school that actively WANTS your child and will see their talents and understand where organisation etc may be more difficult for them. We went for a very nurturing 3-18 school which actually is super inclusive and which seems to have been a good move.

Thank you both for replying and so openly. I was worried in case of judgement so it was helpful to consider both sides of this. In all honesty, the diagnosis fits his brother better (him also) so we need to give this some real thought. Thank you.

I never had an issue with grammar school (albeit not private) and was very well treated.
33 year old dyspraxic here, if I can answer any general questions don't hesitate to fire them my way

You’re welcome - was it a full OT assessment or something less extensive? If not, it would be worth getting one done - dyspraxia is usually diagnosed via OT and paediatrician (but you need both bits - but a full OT report was the best money we’ve spent assessment-wise in terms of where the problems lay and what we could do to help).

I wouldn’t let concern about reactions put anyone off getting a diagnosis. That’s what teenagers and young adults ultimately need to understand themselves and also what’s needed for teachers at school to make the reasonable adjustments they will need to cope (eg understanding why drawings will not be neat, equipment may be lost, PE might be a bit harder). It’s all about picking a private school that actually wants your dc and is prepared to meet them where they are, dyspraxia and all and allow them to do their best.

I'm a SENCO at private. Wouldn't bother me. What would piss me off if parents knew and didn't say anything. Doesn't bode well for best support. Tbh, it is a buyer's market atm so unlikely to turn you down when there are sensible solutions readily available for adaptive teaching eg, use of laptop. The good quality proper pe teaching would also help. Go talk to SENCOs first - you will get a feel for the school that way too.

@Pippatpip buyers’ market depends on where OP is, would you agree? So in very competitive academic day school entrance in London the impact would be different from eg Somerset?