Dyspraxia & Apraxia Support Group

I can't really help too much, as I'm new here. (my son was recently given a tenative diagnosis of DAS, he's 3 yrs old) What websites did you look on? I haven't been able to find much.

I am a 22 year old chap with dyspraxia and by the time you get to 22 you manage to create numerous strategies to hide your disability, you can do it without thinking at times. What I would suggest is you look for places where you can get a diagnosis, it may be rather costly, but it would provide you with peace of mind, you may be able to find some information on the NHS website. or try the dyspraxia foundation website, they may be able to provide some information.

Please read my free wbsite I set up for parents, children and teachers. No one helped me with my son wh is now 27 years old. Unless you havesomeone at school like myself who knowswhat dyspraxia is you have no chance. Maybe I can give you some help as it is never to late.

Hi, I'm 20 and got my dyspraxia and dyslexia diagnosis two days ago. I always did well at school so it was easy to miss that I was struggling with some aspects of education. I am currently in my third year of a teaching degree and asked the university to test me after failing a teaching placement. I realise now that I have developed many effective strategies over the years to cope with the problems I have but in the end my course was too stressful and too difficult to be able to cope. I think your doctor is being very quick to dismiss you as I know it is not uncommon for learning difficulties to go un-noticed throughout school. Is it possible for you to ask for a 2nd opinion? or I'm sure the dyspraxia foundation will help.

I was also wondering if anyone else could help me with a question; I was diagnosed on tuesday, after suspecting dyspraxia for a few months so I'm not really schocked by it, I wasn just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation and can tell me whether it really changes anything? The university has promised me more support but apart from that I don't see what difference the diagnosis makes. Also my boss has asked if it makes any difference from an employment sense.... any help?

i have only been diagnosed with dyspraxia as a result of my daughter being diagnosed with same we both attended ocupational therpist for an assesment and it was herself that did the deed so to speak our gp refered her at my request as both her teachers and i felt that she seemed likley to be dyspraxic i must atdmit it was dificult and we had to push but eventually got seen within the attitude that your gp displayed seems rather old fashioned is it possibal for you to see annother gp and request a referal ? my o/t recons its never to late for someone with dispraxia to learn new copping stratagies/technics true dispraxia is usualy picked up at an earlyer age but im 30 and was only diagnosed last year good luck xxss

wow! I can't believe these older ones in here who are only just finding out. And good on you for doing something about it. I have always been on the outer with my son as most in NZ(new zealand)are diagnosed about 5 to 7yrs. John is now 14 and was diagnosed at 12. He is in a low class at high school and is doing very well but socially he struggles. He has been assessed at having a mental age of 9...bit of useless information that gave my son a boost...Harry Potter is dyspraxic!

Suzanne, it is hard when diagnosed as an adult, there is very little help available and what is available is only given to people on benefits. But if she has an official diagnosis there are things which could be done. Employers have to make reasonable adjustments under the disability discrimination act but you and she need to decide what these should be. Universities will give you extra exam time, use of a computer in exams and maybe assistance with other stuff like buying a laptop, they got me a laptop and printer as well as a dictaphone to record lectures.

What aspect of finding a job is hard for her and what jobs is she looking at? I have also found it hard to get a job. My problem is at interview stage, I can't seem to get through them. It is very hard for any jobseeker right now because of the recession and even harder for us. But dyspraxia does give us skills we can use.

As dyspraxics we find it hard to fit in. Have a think about her skills and how they could be used in a job. Concentrate on what she is good at and build her confidence so she can deal with things she finds challenging. We can learn things, it just happens at a different pace to non dyspraxics.

What aspects of everyday life does she find hard? I find it difficult to manange bills.

Dyspraxia/apraxia is relatively new as far as diagnoses go and in most cases the diagnosis is made by a therapist when someone is sent to one for a problem. Doctors rarely catch it unless it is extremely severe or is associated with another disorder. I have two sons with it. One is 21 years old and the other is 2 and a half. I can tell you there has been a huge difference in the help and information available with the younger child. So much more is known now than when my 21 year old had this. I agree that the best source of info is the dyspraxia association website, but any speech therapist can give you information and suggestions as well.

I am 49 years old and have only found out that I am dyspraxic because my 11 year old daughter had problems refusing to go to school. The school said she was a very bright child but under performing at school, by not reaching her full potential. suddenly I remember hearing these same words being said to me when I was at school that I was a very lazy child and could to a lot better if only I tried harder. In the end I asked to school to send us for counselling and yes the councillor through talking to me said I think you may be dyspraxia and your daughter as well we saw an OT and yes my daughter does have the condition then I realised that my son was the same, but it been a lot harder to have him assessed as he is to old there is a cut of age of 11 for OT where we live but he does have a hospital appointment next week I hope this will help him. As for my self I'm getting no where with getting any help. I started at college 3years ago and have just passed my gcse in English but I'm at a loss with my maths i really need one to one and but it seems impossible to get any sort of help.