Is this dyspraxia? If so, what next?

[wrinklyraisin]

My 9yr old dsd has, over the last 3yrs, displayed more and more signs of dyspraxia. Some examples of her behavior:

• cant swim or ride a bike, runs with a clumsy gait, has huge issues walking up/down stairs, gets tired easily (gets labeled as being lazy), always has a sore throat or stomach or headache, doesn't speak clearly/articulate well (had speech therapy already), can't eat with cutlery, is very immature in her writing/drawing (yet is an expert on the wii or her ds), over emotional and throws tantrums over silly things, general immaturity, very demanding/selfish (I want it now so give it to me), poor self hygiene, messy...

I could go on and on...

Her school isn't all that interested, should we see her Dr?

Also her mom isn't all that interested in there being anything wrong (ie she doesn't want to put in extra effort to help her child) with her daughter. I'm frustrated with her lack of concern. My OH is more concerned but doesn't have full custody so he can't do as much as he wants to to get some kind of diagnosis.

We are in the USA so if any one else is here and has any advice I would be really grateful! This little girl is getting labeled and treated as a lazy spoiled brat by many people and I honestly think she's dyspraxic and not a "bad child"...

Poor kid. Do take her to her Dr, it will make her life so much better and she'll get the help that she needs rather then constant criticism. It can't be good for her self esteem to be constantly told that she's a bad kid (I've been here with my son, it's taking years to repair this damage).

Sounds like you really care.

Thanks LadyMary. I do care a lot.

This child is difficult to deal with because she's been allowed to eat whatever and do whatever, in order to avoid tantrums, so her diet is pretty awful. Me and my OH are working in improving it. We encourage/teach using a knife and fork. We have to remind CONSTANTLY to wash hands, wipe well, brush teeth, etc. it's a never ending battle to get her into a good routine. Her parents have always known her like this so it's "normal" to them. Her dad, my OH, is finally accepting things aren't "normal".

I've been watching her and giving her tasks to do regularly so I've got a fair idea that she is dyspraxic. I just need both parents to agree to have her assessed AND then follow up on advice and treatment. I've already started giving her "checklists" of basic instructions throughout her day, ie "pee, flush, wash hands" on a piece of paper by the loo. And I've labeled and shown her her clothes drawers so she doesn't wreck them looking for a t shirt or undies. We've been giving her food that requires cutting so she can practice using cutlery each day that she's with us. I've taught her how to take a few deep breaths and say "I can do this" when she gets wound up/frustrated over something.

I just think she needs "proper" help from an occupational or educational or whatever is right therapist?

It's so tough being a stepmum as I have zero power to get anything done.

Feel for you and Dsd. As ladymary has said go and see the GP if your OH is onside that's a good thing.