I'm not stupid - I've got dyspraxia
19/09/2007
Monday 24th September sees the launch of the first ever dyspraxia awareness week - a much misunderstood condition which affects thousands of adults and children, leading to poor co-ordination and social skills and an inability to master the everyday tasks many of us take for granted.
Sadly, many dyspraxia sufferers are simply labelled as stupid, naughty or disruptive - but they are not.
The national charity, Dyspraxia Foundation which marks its 20th anniversary this year, recently commissioned a nationwide poll on dyspraxia. Around three quarters (74%) of people questioned admitted that they thought behavioural, social and learning problems (common to conditions such as dyspraxia, Aspergers or ADHD) were simply an excuse for naughty or disruptive children. Just under half (49%) of the respondents said that they had heard of dyspraxia, but when questioned further, less than a third (31%) said that they actually knew or understood what the condition was and how the daily lives of sufferers are (whether at home, school or in the workplace).
Sometimes unkindly referred to as ‘clumsy child’ syndrome, developmental dyspraxia is an impairment of the organisation of movement, which can lead to problems with co-ordination and coping with the simple day-to-day tasks many of us take for granted. Frequently falling over, difficulty walking up and down stairs, poor at dressing, no spatial awareness, problems forming relationships and prone to bullying - these are all familiar symptoms for those affected.
Dyspraxia is thought to affect up to six per cent of the population and up to two per cent severely. Males are four times more likely to be affected than females. Dyspraxia sometimes runs in families, and anecdotal research suggests it is likely that there is one child affected in every class of 30 children.
Theresa Hart, a trustee of the Dyspraxia Foundation and mother of a dyspraxic son, said: “There is no cure for dyspraxia but there are many coping techniques to help make life easier for sufferers and their families. But more importantly, we need to educate the public and teachers and bring home the message that people with dyspraxia are not difficult and stupid - just different and special”
For the majority of those with the condition, there is no known cause. Current research suggests that it is due to an immaturity of neurone development in the brain rather than to brain damage. People with dyspraxia have no clinical neurological abnormality to explain their condition.
Families in the South West are teaming up with the Dyspraxia Foundation during the campaign to reach out to new sufferers, as many local parents want to speak out about their experiences and the impact it has on their families. And as part of the campaign, the Dyspraxia Foundation has produced a range of materials to help education professionals recognise the condition and take steps to ensure that young people are properly diagnosed and given the appropriate support needed.
Cathy Shuter, a primary school teacher in Kent, said: “Dyspraxia is perhaps one of the lesser known ‘syndromes’, which means that some children won’t be diagnosed until they reach school age. However, with a positive approach to teaching those who might be displaying some of the classic signs, there is so much we can do to improve their motor skills, boost their self esteem and help them lead as normal a life as possible.
“There is a danger that a child may start off their school life labelled as ‘clumsy’ but with careful management and understanding we can really start to see progress. Awareness and understanding are both key to taking away the stigma of dyspraxia and other related syndromes - and early diagnosis is vital.”
For more information visit the link below or call the Dyspraxia Foundation Helpline on 01462 454 986 (10 am - 1 pm) Mon - Fri.