DYSPRAXIA in F.E.

DEFINITION It is a term used to describe difficulty with the execution of controlled voluntary actions A disorder of movement involving impairment of the ability to carry out a skilled activity in the absence of paralysis or any other impairment of the primary motor pathways controlling movement.

Dyspraxia Is sometimes called : Developmental Coordination Disorder It can be developmental or acquired

SIGNS and SYMPTOMS Difficulty with: Gross Motor skills Fine Motor skills Hand Dominance Speech/Language Eye Movements

PERCEPTUAL/SPATIAL SKILLS Keeping place when reading Visual Perception-Scotopic Sensitivity, print may appear blurred or moving Dealing with maps, graphs, diagrams, equations, formulae Sense of time, speed, distance, weight, height, direction, orientation – even in familiar surroundings

SIGNS + SYMPTOMS Learning and Memory – remembering instructions, information, keeping track of thoughts when speaking or listening, difficulty taking notes, maintaining concentration Easily distracted Organisational skills Literacy/Numeracy

SIGNS + SYMPTOMS Sensitivity in any or all the senses Social Skills Emotional difficulties Grooming – often look dishevelled

ASSOCIATED SYNDROMES ‘Neurodiverse’ disorders: ADHD Dyslexia Dyscalculia Aspergers

STRATEGIES/SUGGESTIONS Assertiveness classes Adult Dyspraxia Support Groups Relaxation Techniques Gym, Sports

STRATEGIES/SUGGESTIONS May need help finding way around College Finish one task before starting another Diaries, post-it notes at eye level Mind Maps-Linear lists, flow charts Use of IT- may need individual training (Jackie O’Brien) keyboard short cuts etc Ergonomic Keyboard

STRATEGIES/SUGGESTIONS Need support organising time and files, with planning assignment work, prioritising what needs to be done first Give notes/handouts in bullet points when possible All instructions spoken and written to be clear and concise Email handouts as well as hard copies

STRATEGIES/SUGGESTIONS If room change necessary, have system in place, a note on door could cause panic May need blocks under table legs, need different type of chair Transparent pencil case Different coloured folders for different tasks May need a break during lessons

MANY PEOPLE WITH DYSPRAXIA ARE VERY CREATIVE, DETERMINED, PERSISTENT AND INTELLIGENT Build up their confidence/self esteem whenever possible Always use POSITIVE language

EXAMINATIONS Likely to have difficulties in at least one of these areas: Reading Accuracy/Comprehension/Speed Spelling Handwriting Speed/Legibility Concentration/Attention Practical Aspects

FURTHER HELP FOR DYSPRAXIC STUDENTS Adult Support Group – phone: 0207-7435-7891 Email: p-mcolley@cablenet.co.uk Book by Mary Colley and the Dyspraxic Foundation Adult Support Group Google ‘Access to Work’ – grants for adaptations in workplace

FURTHER HELP Dyspraxia Foundation – Helpline 01462-454-986 website: www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk Institute for Neuro Developmental Delay, Chester – website: www.inpp.org.uk/learning_difficulties/dyspraxia