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Anyone got experience with Dyspraxia? Worried about 4 year old.

28 replies

Aria2015 · 24/09/2019 22:02

So my lo had an unexplained physical development delay that meant he was very behind with certain milestones like rolling and getting from laying down to sitting. He's had physio and is much improved. Still, even now, he's very slow at running, can't pedal on a bike or trike, can't hop on one foot and can't catch a ball. He really struggles to use a knife and fork and gets super frustrated and he can't get himself dressed, although can get undressed no problem from the waist down.

He's started school and they are struggling to get him to use a pen or pencil. He's always shown zero interest in colouring or any similar activities despite us having lots of stuff at home. He is also apparently not engaging with any of his peers or joining in any class activities. He gets frustrated easily and also doesn't like loud noises (although this isn't always the case). He also likes things to be 'his way' and struggles to share. He also likes routine - although enjoys new experiences and activities. He also hates PE and rarely joins in.

On the up side, he's very articulate and chatty - was an early talker. He also potty trained super quick. He has a great imagination and loves making up stories and role playing. He's affectionate and can concentrate well on playing (when it's something he's chosen). He plays well with slightly older children (who also enjoy a good chat!) and can play well one-on-one with other children. He also enjoys soft play. He also 'gets' humour and loves books being read to him.

I have however been reading about dyspraxia and I'm wondering if that might explain some of the difficulties he's having at school with making friends and writings and also the physical development side. Has anyone got any experience of it? Or advice? Is it possible he could have a few of a main symptoms but not all and still have it?

I was reading up about dyspraxia

OP posts:
Throgglesprocket · 26/09/2019 15:27

My DD is 10, has dyspraxia (or DCD as they like to call it here) and still can't manage to get herself completely dressed for school if it involves buttons, or particularly stubborn zips. If asking her do do something, I have to make sure I remember that I only ask her a couple of things at a time, otherwise nothing will get done - and I'm lucky if the two I've asked get done anyway as she's easily distracted!
She's constantly losing her shoes, despite the fact that she pretty much always takes them off in the same place, and they'll generally be under the kitchen table (I've given up trying to tell her to put them anywhere else - at least I know where they are!). We have the caring cutlery for her, although she's chewed it to bits (sensory issues means she chews everything) but we still have to help her cut up food for her on occasions. Drinking with a straw seems to help her and lessens the number of spillages at the table.
Re shoe laces, I gave up and bought some Hickies, which are the elasticated ones as co-ordination-wise she wouldn't have coped, and her anxiety would skyrocket.
Our OT recommended a peg board to help with fine motor skills, and also putting beads into and out of playdoh or theraputty with a pair of tweezers.

Aria2015 · 26/09/2019 20:03

@KisstheTeapot14 thanks for the dressing tips. Will give those a try at the weekend when we have lots of time!

OP posts:
Aria2015 · 26/09/2019 20:05

@Throgglesprocket I recently ordered some board things from Amazon that have got buttons and zips etc... To practice with. Hoping if I can make it fun it will motivate my lo. He did have a good bash at unzipping his top today bless him. He couldn't start it but once I did a bit he did the rest so it a positive that he was so keen to try. He tends to give up easily because things are ’too hard’ so it’s encouraging!

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