dyspraxic ds being punished by school

[pennywren]

I would really welcome any help and advice from other parents with dyspraxic children. My DS has just started a new school, she is just 13 and has a marked degree of dyspraxia - v clumsy and hugely disorganised. Even though she has received a diagnosis from an Ed Ps and has been given concessions,her teacher at school has said that she must not be treated differently from other children and that we must all get used to her being punished for forgetting to take stuff to lessons. Has anyone else had this experience of schools ignoring a diagnosis? I would be hugely grateful for any advice

My DS has dyspraxia and I am appalled at your teacher's attitude. It's worth pointing out to her that your DD is not being 'naughty', she has a condition which she is struggling with every day. Things that are simple for everyone else are much harder for her. As your DD is at secondary school, I assume there's a SENCO? Take it up with him/her, and also contact the Ed Psych and say she is not getting the support she needs (and is entitled to). My DS has a Statement (he has Asperger's too) and the main problem is trying to get all the teachers to understand the nature of his difficulties but the good ones give instruction to the class and then discreetly check that he is on task and has everything he needs. They will also give him Post-it notes with reminders on - not a lot to ask and I'm sure it's the least they could do for your DD.

Years ago I bought my DS a book called My Friend Has Dyspraxia, aimed at young children but explaining very simply what dyspraxia is and how to help in school - might be a good one for the teacher to read, since she's obviously completely ignorant.

Is your DD in a state school? I have a friend who teaches in a private school and the stories she tells me about the lack of care and consideration given to children with special needs there make my hair stand on end. In a state school (not sure what the situation is in a private school) they have a statutory obligation to meet every child's needs. Does your DD have an IEP (individual education plan)? Sounds as if she should do - you draw it up with the Senco and it lists simple, achievable goals for her and states what support she will get to achieve them, then it's reviewed two or three times a year.

Good luck, and don't give up! Your DD's only going to get one shot at school and it's just wrong for this teacher to punish her in this way

Hi pennywren

You may find this research paper collection a useful source of information and UK researchers who have researching Dyspraxia since the 1990s the official research name is changing to Developmental Coordination Disorder.
Dyspraxia - Developmental Coordination Disorder collection

you might also like to have a look at an international collection of Special Education research papers

Thank you both so much for your help and advice. I will see the school senco and get an IEP in place and am looking forward to reading the articles - thanks so much

Do let us know how you get on, Pennywren.