Dyspraxia in the workplace: hidden challenges, hidden assets!
Dyspraxia Foundation – Contact Details
Registered Office
Dyspraxia Foundation
8 West Alley,
Hitchin,
Herts, SG5 1EG.
8 West Alley,
Hitchin,
Herts, SG5 1EG.
Telephone
Helpline 01462 454986
Admin: 01462 455 016
Fax: 01462 455 052
New
findings released today (Monday 10th October 2016) reveal that
adults with dyspraxia are not receiving the understanding and support they need
in the workplace, meaning that employees are underperforming and employers are
missing out on the many strengths and talents that people with dyspraxia have
to offer.
The nationwide poll commissioned by the Dyspraxia
Foundation reported that although 64% of adults voluntarily disclosed their
diagnosis to their employers, only 33% actually received any specific advice or
support. As a result, employees with dyspraxia were at risk of underperformance
or losing their job.
Experts from the Dyspraxia Foundation - the only
national charity in the UK supporting people affected by the condition –
believe poor awareness and understanding of dyspraxia is to blame for the lack
of support.
Dyspraxia (also known as Developmental Coordination
Disorder) is a common but poorly understood condition affecting motor
coordination, organisation, planning and time management in children and
adults. It can also affect speech.
Around 3% of the adult population are affected, but
poor awareness and limited support mean that many adults with dyspraxia have
experienced discrimination or difficulties in the workplace. As a result,
employers and organisations are not benefitting from the unique skills and
perspectives that employees with dyspraxia have to offer.
Worryingly, 68% of employees who chose not to
disclose their diagnosis did so because they were concerned they would be
discriminated against. For some, the decision not to disclose was made because
they had experienced discrimination or workplace bullying previously.
The nation-wide survey questioned 339 adults with
dyspraxia aged 18+ years (132 males, 191 female and 16 individuals who chose
not to say). 221 individuals (66%) were in paid employment; 66 (21%) were
unemployed /job-seeking; 28 (9%) were volunteers/unpaid workers; and 13 (4%)
were retired.
Encouragingly, the survey revealed that 66% of
those who had received advice or support for their role found this to be
effective. Furthermore, many of the reasonable adjustments that had helped were
relatively inexpensive, for example dyspraxia awareness training for managers
and colleagues and adjustments to the job role so that employees’ strengths
were utilised to best effect.
Richard Todd, Dyspraxia
Foundation Trustee comments: “The Dyspraxia Foundation always knew there was a
lack of understanding of dyspraxia/DCD in business, and this survey has
quantified that. It shows there is a real productivity opportunity for
employers. There is a substantial waste of potential in all of those who are
being managed poorly or have received no adjustment. Almost all adjustments
highlighted by survey respondents are easy to implement, have low or no cost
and will pay for themselves in a matter of weeks.”
That’s why the Dyspraxia Foundation will be
focusing on “dyspraxia in the workplace” for Dyspraxia Awareness Week in
October 2016. Awareness Week will also see the launch of a new information pack
for employers and employees with dyspraxia as part of the annual campaign.
John aged 29 is one of the many adults who have
contacted the Dyspraxia Foundation Helpline for advice and support. He says “I
was diagnosed with dyspraxia at the age of seven because I was clumsy and had
poor handwriting. I also struggled to organise my thoughts and ideas and needed
extra help with reading, writing and numbers. At secondary school I had extra
time for exams, but not much other help. I’ve worked in the retail industry
since I was 17 and always declare my dyspraxia when applying for jobs. When I
started work I didn’t have any support whatsoever, but I managed to get by
because of my good social skills.”
John contacted the Dyspraxia Foundation Helpline
because he was at risk of losing his job. “I was suspended from work because of
anomalies with the tills. The tills crashed and in my panic I bulked sales
together so that they balanced at the end of the day rather than recording them
separately. My employers didn’t believe that dyspraxia was a contributing
factor for my actions and demoted me. With advice and support from the
Dyspraxia Foundation Helpline however, I won my employment appeal and was
reinstated.”
John goes on to say “Being suspended really
affected my confidence. I think employers need to understand dyspraxia and
ensure that reasonable adjustments are put in place. I need instructions to be
given clearly and help to fill in forms and to organise things as I’m very
forgetful. These things don’t cost very much, but a little understanding and
small changes make a big difference for me and my employer.”
ENDS
For more media/survey information or to set up an
interview with a case study or a dyspraxia employment expert, please call Lisa
McCarthy 01462 455016 or email dyspraxia@dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk
For more information about the ongoing work of the
Dyspraxia Foundation, how to become involved or to access help, information and
advice, please visit www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk
/ @DYSPRAXIAFDTN
Note to editors:
The survey ran for 39 days from 7th July
to 15th August 2016 and was promoted via the Dyspraxia Foundation
website, Facebook and social media.
- Of the 339 respondents, 39% were male, 56% were female and 5% preferred not to reveal their gender.
- 66% were in paid employment; 9% were working in an unpaid/voluntary capacity; 21% were unemployed/job-seeking; and 4% were retired.
- Dyspraxia Foundation is the only national UK charity supporting people with dyspraxia of all ages and those who live or work with them.
- Dyspraxia (also known as developmental coordination disorder) affects around 5-10% of children, 2% to a severe degree. Difficulties continue into adulthood in 50-70% of cases.
- Dyspraxia affects gross and fine motor coordination; memory; perception; organisation; planning; time management and sequencing skills. It can also affect speech. There can be serious negative consequences for an individual’s academic, social, emotional and economic outcomes if appropriate help and support is not provided.
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