Dyspraxia Awareness Week

By Evie Booth

My name is Evie, I am 19 years old. I have 1 little brother and grew up in Nottingham, in England. I’m currently studying Sociology at university and I’m also learning Spanish.

What is Dyspraxia?

According to Cambridge University Hospitals, up to 5% of adults in the UK are thought to have dyspraxia, with most diagnoses occurring in adulthood. Dyspraxia Awareness Week is from October 7th to October 13thand aims to raise awareness of the condition and promote understanding, support and acceptance for those affected.

Dyspraxia, also known as developmental co-ordination disorder, affects movement, co-ordination and fine motor skills. However, despite being classed as a common disorder, many are unaware of the condition. Tasks such as playing sports, learning to drive and even using small objects (e.g., cutlery) can be significantly harder for those affected. Dyspraxia can also affect how you manage your emotions, how you function in social situations, as well as time management, planning and organisational skills.  There is no cure for dyspraxia or known cause – however, you may be at a higher risk of developing it if you are male, were born prematurely or have a family history of others with developmental disorders.

In the past, dyspraxia was known as ‘clumsy child syndrome’, despite being a condition that is lifelong and more than just ‘clumsiness’. Thankfully, as we learn more about dyspraxia, we are able to dispel harmful myths, like that, to allow for more inclusivity, understanding and support in our lives.

Growing up undiagnosed

For many, like me, receiving a diagnosis can be life-changing, as it explains years of struggles and confusion. I was diagnosed recently at university after being prompted by my driving instructor who asked if anyone had ever thought I had it due to my struggles in learning how to drive. When I read the symptoms, suddenly a lot of my life started to make sense. Growing up, I dreaded P.E. lessons due to my inability to catch and throw or even run ‘right’. I was always the slowest to tie my laces and still to this day can’t use cutlery correctly. This affected my confidence, leading me to think I would never fit in and was just an outcast. Think of it like a computer that works fine, but sometimes the keyboard or mouse just doesn’t respond the way it should. Your mind knows what it wants to do, but getting your body to follow through can feel like a glitch in the system.

Dyspraxia at University

Receiving a diagnosis led to a range of emotions for me. While I was relieved to finally understand why I felt the way I did, my diagnosis made me feel fundamentally different at first. I felt as if I would never be good at the things I enjoy, like dancing, and that no matter how hard I try, everyone would know there was something different about me. As well as that, going to a university known for sport (Loughborough) with dyspraxia can sometimes be very intimidating. It’s easy to feel as if you’re the odd one out when everyone else seems to be a world-class athlete and you can’t even catch a ball.

However, I still enjoy trying new sports and understand that with practise they will become easier, and that sport doesn’t have to be stressful. I’ve realised that dyspraxia doesn’t define my abilities or limit my potential, it just means I have to approach tasks differently, with more patience and persistence. I am willing to work harder and it’s okay when I struggle. I am brave enough now to be able to ask for help when I need it and understand that I may not be able to pick things up right away. I also know that I have other strengths, such as being creative, empathetic and kind.

Being dyspraxic at university affects more than just athleticism, however. My dyspraxia also manifests itself in poor organisational and time management skills and poor short-term memory. For me, this means an abundance of post-it notes and continuous reminders and alarms on my phone. While this can be frustrating and exhausting at times, it also shows my strengths gained from being dyspraxic; being persistent, determined and having the mental strength to work harder than the norm.

What can be done?

Raising awareness of dyspraxia not only helps to create a more understanding and inclusive environment but also empowers those with the condition to embrace their unique strengths. Through small accommodations and a better understanding of the condition, we can all contribute to a world where those with dyspraxia can thrive.

If you suspect you might have dyspraxia, consider keeping a diary of tasks you struggle with – like using cutlery. This can help a healthcare provider diagnose the condition more easily. The best advice I can give to someone who has just been diagnosed with dyspraxia or suspects they might have it is to be patient. Dyspraxia can have a big impact on your self-esteem, and it is so easy to get caught up in the negatives. So, it’s important to be able to take a step back and find what works for you when everything becomes too much. For me, I try and incorporate positive thinking and daily exercise, including mobility stretches to help me improve my balance as well as meditation because it makes me feel more grounded.

While living with dyspraxia can be challenging, with the right support and understanding, each step toward raising awareness brings us closer to a society that understands and embraces neurological diversity. This Dyspraxia Awareness Week, it’s important to recognise the unique struggles faced by those with dyspraxia whilst also celebrating their resilience and contributions to society.