Dyspraxia - can anyone help me?

[Shahrazad]

After 8 years of DD being treated / monitored by the orthopaedic consultant for mobility issues, he referred us on to a paediatrician who today says it's much more likely that DD's problems result from a combination of dyspraxia and hypermobility.

She's been referred for PT and OT support in the first instance.

Now I'm also wondering whether some other aspects of DD's personality, which I had put down to being a stubborn madam (apparently not listening, not following instructions, daily routines being hard work every single day etc) may also be attributable to the dyspraxia, but I'm at a loss as to where to start looking for information and advice (bit reluctant to google as it will presumably result in information overload).

She's doing well in school and so we didn't think there were any underlying issues. Of course now I feel absolutely bloody dreadful that I've basically been complaining about something she might find really hard.

Any words of wisdom/ suggestions of (parent friendly not too scary) reading material for this very guilty feeling mother will be welcomed.

Thank you very much - I shall go and have a read.

DD is in Year 6, and my ridiculous response was "but her handwriting is so neat" - well it is, but her grip is poor, she sits very badly, and now it's been pointed out to me I can see how much strain her body is under when she writes. No wonder she hates doing homework!

Hi
This is really interesting as it's possible my DS has dyspraxia (he's currently wtg MRI to rule out CP)
Can I ask what symptoms point you (and th GP) to dyspraxia please?
Thanks

DD is 5 and dyspraxic. When she was diagnosed I was told it was part of the Autistic spectrum until recently and to think about it as such, i.e. It's a spectrum with different areas and degrees of difficulties. Up to then I saw it as a rigid diagnosis and although scarey to be linked to autism, it shows no to children with Dyspraxia are alike.

DD life has been much improved by horse riding, it's been a slow process but her core strength is noticeably improved making some of her Dyspraxia less noticeable day to day.

Be prepared for people assuming you meant dyslexia or thinking it's a magically diagnosed or self diagnosed condition. Medical professionals don't always know or fully understand what Dyspraxia is so friends and family will need to be educated.

Also double check injuries, DD told me about her 'balloon foot' that turned out to be broken even though she didn't limp or cause her pain.

DD has stiff legs, poor gross motor skills (swimming has been a real challenge, the day she finally got her length, I cried) but they were put down to a physical issue which she also undoubtedly has.

I am now looking at lists of other symptoms and wondering how i can have been so ignorant: over emotional, can respond very literally to language, can't organise herself or follow simple routines (still forgets to brush her teeth every single night) also very loud and doesn't realise she's shouting etc etc.

Because she's very academic the other things have been masked, and we were putting it down to the onset of puberty, but now I can see a pattern. Feeling a bit stupid but very relieved she will now get the support she needs, just in time for transition to high school, which from what I have read can be a tricky time.

Thanks everyone for the input. I'd love to hear more about your own DC and especially how schools have been able to support them.

I have just reread your post about your DS, Calaveras. So DD's sleep walking and night terrors and being poor to settle are part of it too... I wish I had known. Feeling even more guilty now.

I have a good book - think it's called pocket guide to dyspraxia? Small brown book with a school boy walking down stairs. Dyspraxia foundation is good if you have a local group.

I missed all of ds symptoms. I thought he had asd. I hadn't even heard of dyspraxia until three years ago! Ds is very flappy, tip toe walker. Can't hop or jump with two feet together. Can't cross or co ordinate his mid line. Can't flush the loo, turn taps, use cutlery etc

I've seen the pocket guides before (the teaching ones I think) and liked them so I may well get that book, thank you for the recommendation.