diagnosing dyspraxia

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Hi. My DS is 15. Can anyone advise me about how to get a professional view about possible dyspraxia? Where do I start? I read somewhere that the GP will just suggest making an appointment with the school nurse but I can't for the life of me find a contact. I have only just heard of dyspraxia and when I started reading about it, it hit me that many of the characteristics describe my gorgeous boy to a T. Unfortunately home life suffers as my DS drives his Dad crazy (and is not helped by having a very ordered, motivated, sporty and also gorgeous older brother). Any help gratefully received.

Same here, paediatrician refered DD to the OT.

your school can give you the contact number for school nurse, and the school nurse should be able to refer to OT.

I downloaded the best checklist I could find from the internet, and marked it up.

Then I went to the GP and asked for an assessment.

The school was asked to write a letter from their side.

We were seen by an OT.

DD was 15 an in y11 when we were seen.

Wish I'd pushed for it years ago.

Thank you thank you everyone. This has given me a basis on which to start. Will follow the idea of marking up the checklist before the GP/school nurse appointment. Out of interest, did you take your DS or DD to the initial appointment? Seems a stupid question, but I don't want to make sure the GP will take it seriously and not just tell him needs to pull himself together!

I think I took DD as I thought the GP might want to do tests with her or something.
It honestly is the best thing I ever did.

I first flagged up various issues in y6 but was fobbed off.
Difficulties became more and more obvious during secondary, motor skills and organisation are the worst.
When we started looking at 6th forms I asked and they said a 'label' would help get support from the start.

We finally got it December y11, only a year ago. This lead to extra time in exams, plus coloured paper, and being allowed to stand and stretch. (Already had use of laptop). Made a massive difference to GCSE results imo.

I just wish we hadn't left it until y11, as now at 6th form college and still learning ways around things, and understanding her limits / difficulties.

Thanks for telling me this. It is such a relief to read of your experience. I'm glad you have found that it helps your DD. I'm interested whether the school helps in any other way too. And also whether your DD has speech or other communication hesitancies. I'll write again when we have been to the GP or nurse in case it is of interest to other families who are concerned about whether their DS or DD may have dyspraxia.

DD is quite articulate BUT has trouble with inference, picking out key bits of things etc. This leads to socialisation issues with her peer group.

Thanks TeenAndTween !