class presentations and dyspraxia

[jetcatisfrozen]

Hi, my 12 year old DD has 4 different presentations to do in front of her class next week, for which she is extrememly nervous.

She has recently been diagnosed with dyspraxia, though her first OT appointment is not until the middle of next week, so although school are aware of her diagnosis, nothing much has beeen said/done until her OT assessments, possible speech therapy assessment and general developmental assessment have been done.

I am just wondering, should i be saying something to school about these presentations - she has done the work, and wants to do the presentation, but she is aware that her termly assessment levels will be based on these presentations, and she thinks that her problems with speech (very slow, a lot of pauses and repitition) will mean she gets marked down. I dont want her singled out, and dont want her to simply not do them, but i am not sure what to actually say to DD or to school?

Jetcat, I would mention it perhaps to her form tutor so that her subject teachers could be aware of it.

thanks mag - do you think a simple note in planner (but then i would worry about confidentiality) or a more formal note to teacher?

Hi,

Sorry to hear about the dyspraxia. DD3 (15) struggles with this too. She would never be able to do a presentation, it would freak her out totally, so good on your DD for wanting to do it.

I would suggest a friendly email into the teacher, or a phone call if you don't email him/her. Hopefully they will be supportive, but perhaps your DD could do her presentation to a smaller group of people who she will feel more comfortable with, rather than a whole class. If it was me, I would have a scenario in your mind that she would be happiest with and ask the teacher if this would be possible in light of the recent diagnosis, to reduce DDs stress levels.

Good luck.

thanks PA - and sorry to hear about your DD.

I will ask about the smaller group, but as she struggles with her speech even to me, i dont think the size of the audience is going to make a difference I have said to DD that when she does do them (2 on monday) to make a note of what she thinks she stuggles with (she has a hopeless memory!) and we can discuss it with the OT on her visit. I think that has helped DD a little, as she doesnt feel she has to be perfect - but she doesnt want to lose marks also.

What subject is it? Does she have to do a presentation on it, or will a written submission be accepted? Does you r DD want to do this, or does she feel pressured to do it because everyone else will be?

Sorry lots of questions. I just know that if this was my DD she would be absolutely freaking out about this. She wants to be as "normal" as she possibly can be, as I am sure yours does. However, at what price? My heart goes out to her. I admire her attitude if she is determined to do this, However, I would be worried that the pressure would make her so nervous she will feel as if she has failed if she stumbles at all.

i think you have hit the nail on the head there PA - she wants to do it as everyone else is doing it. But, when (not if!) she stumbles over a word she will become very upset and a strong possibility she will cry - i cant begin to imagine how much extra teasing that will get from her class mates

There are 4 subjects, the two on monday are drama and english i think. She really struggles with drama at the best of times, as she possibly has aspergers as well (waiting on more assessments) and therefore has never really engaged with role play, imaginiative play etc. Plus this one has to be done using a laptop, which she doesnt really know how to use, and got totally confused when her teacher was trying to explain, but wouldnt ask for it to be explained again

Can i ask PA, how much help does your DD get from school? Is there an action plan or anything? I am not really sure on what i should be asking for!

I understand you don't want to be too protective of your DD if she wants to do this, but I totally agree about the consequences of her getting frightened and stumbling. It could totally destroy any confidence she has.

DD has had a statement all through school. She does not attend school now and has not done since year 9 due to a serious, totally unconnected illness, but when she was at school she had a whole range of help. From non at all some years - that sent me into a rage!!! The final year she was at school she was in a lovely small group of kids that all needed extra help for various reasons. I really had reservations about this to start with, but it worked brilliantly. The teacher was absolutely fab and she soon learnt what worked best for each pupil. DD had a TA with her for Maths and science, but for most other lessons she was with this one teacher. If there is one teacher who understands your DDs problems, then speak to them. They are worth their weight in gold!!! Butter them up, use them, and praise them!!! Keep on the right side of any staff who will help you, but don't give in to anyone who won't listen!!!

I don't imagine that your DD will be continuing with drama when she takes her options in year 9, so I really would not worry about a lower mark for that lesson. I would say that her confidence is far more valuable. If she feels crushed by this one lesson it could have repercussions on everything else. Do you get on well with her teachers?

Sorry, I don't mean to rant at you, I just know how this would have affected my DD. Look after her, stand up for her and encourage her, but guard her confidence at all costs!

you didnt rant PA I really appreciate your comments.

I think i will have a long and hard talk with DD tomorrow, and see what she wants to do. And you're spot on - DD is already stating there is no way she is continuing with drama.

I dont think DD would qualify for a statement, as she stuggles on without causing a fuss, and therefore her teachers seem to think she is doing fine. But, socially, its a different story. Every single one commented on her school report that she has no interaction with her class peers during lessons, and spends all breaks in the library She did previously work with the EP who established a friendship circle for her, though that was in primary school.

I will take your advice though, and put a note in for her teacher, and also say that we have an OT appointment, and i would appreciate an appointment with a teacher to discuss the outcome of the OT visit. And then also check with OT

Sorry to hear your DD has been so poorly, i hope she is ok now.

I have toyed with the idea of taking DD out of school, but i am not sure i would be up to the challenge of teaching her myself!

We went through times of thinking it would be best if we home-educated DD, but to be honest I just would not have had the patience expertise! When we were forced into it due to her being too unwell to go to school it has been OK, but then, DD will not be getting any qualifications and she has been too unwell to do any learning at all. She is gradually improving now, thanks for asking and we are hoping that when she is up to going back to anything educational wise, that she will get a place at our local college doing a childcare course, starting at the lowest level. Her personality is great and I have no doubts that she will do well when she does get there, it just may be a few years after her peers.

Hope you can really talk to your Dd before Monday. If she doesnot want to do this I would be really firm with the school and speak to someone first thing Monday morning. Good luck. I'd love to know how she gets on.
It is that DD finds it difficult to socialise. Been there, done that!!!! It is harder as they get older to be able to "help" them with friendships. I just hope that she can make at least one friend who understands her - although I have to admit that our DD has never really done that, or when she has, they have not hung around for long, then we ahve the heartache of a broken friendship ! She is happy most of the time, though, which is the most important thing.
Signing off MN now as Hubby is home from work and we need to decide which takeaway he is treating me to tonight! I see a blue moon on the horizon!!!

If you have any questions about dyspraxia, feel free to email me at directioneeded at aol dot com.

thanks so much, you have been so helpful

Enjoy your takeaway

Takeaway was YUMMM, thanks.

Just re-read my post and I am worried that it may come across as if I think I know everything about dyspraxia. I most definitely don't, but I am prepared to share my experiences, if it will help you in any way.

Jetcatisfrozen - Are you still around?
How did the presentation go?

Hope all is ok, was thinking of your DD on Monday.