How can I explain dyspraxia to my 7 y/o DS?

[mhmummy]

My DS is either dyspraxic or has some broader motor coordination disorder and really struggles with certain things. We are fortunate that he has been assessed by our local OH and is about to undertake a course of therapy which starts in a month. In the meantime, though, he has started to say things like 'I'm rubbish at [whatever it is]', or just completely refuse to do what ever action it is that he finds tricky because he feels that he is bound to fail at it
I really want to minimise the impact of his difficulties on his self-esteem and would be extremely grateful for any tips/advice. He has already undergone 4 years therapy for verbal dyspraxia, since he needed a lot of support just to speak. He has no problem in this area now and is very well understood - the therapy ended last December and was a positive experience for him (as he loved the therapist!). With thanks in advance for any advice/opinions.

Thanks PolterGoose, that's really helpful. I also wonder whether it might help for him to have an explanation of some sort as to why his handwriting (for example - but there are other things) is so very different to his friends, perhaps through a simplistic explanation of what dyspraxia is... but I'm not sure where to start. In terms of what you say about needing a bit of help, do you think it's useful to expand on why that is the case?

My ds is almost six and has dyspraxia. He doesn't see himself as having a problem ( yet) and never questions any hospital appointments. I don't know why he never asks, I think he's off with the fairys but the doctor thinks he might understand. I just tell him he is very bendy and we see the bending doctor ( ot) because he needs help with his bendy bits. Sorry, I think that's too low brow for your older son, mine is like a three year old :0(

I'm only my kids as they ask. I told my nine year old why his brother was 'different' it didn't go down to well