Inside Dyspraxia

Make a decision; Victim or Warrior?   Two approaches   Unfortunately, all too often I hear Dyspraxic Adults complain. What especially surprises me is that not only do they complain but also, they willingly put themselves into ‘the victim mode’.   It begins with negative phases such as’; ‘I can’t do this’, ‘there is no point in even trying and of course the all too popular excuse ‘the dyspraxia made me do it’. The phrases then influence how individuals see themselves, which affects their behaviours and in turn limits abilities. By disabling ourselves we are further compounding the belief that we are useless and have nothing to offer thus the cycle of self-doubt, hopelessness and depression continues. It’s a classic self-fulfilling prophecy; the more you tell yourself you are useless the more useless you become. We are all carrying a burden   Now, let me stop you right there; all people with and without Dyspraxia and ( I mean all people) have weaknes...

It's time  to bridge the gap between Dyspraxic Children and Dyspraxic Adults Desire for change   I have long felt that more needs to be done for Dyspraxic Adults. I don't know why but it appears we are often overlooked. Perhaps Adults with any neurological condition are often overlooked, simply because they are adults? Or maybe people assume that once we hit 16 all of our troubles are over? The general public's perception has always been a mystery to me, after all people chop and change their minds all the time. I am a Dyspraxic Adult, who through focused and repeated efforts has been able to find coping mechanisms that minimise the impact of Dyspraxia. And now at the tender age of 29.999 I have come to realise that we as Dyspraxic Adults need to learn how to love and accept ourselves, falls and all! Our neurology has a major part to play in who we are as people.             Also, I have been very lucky to have befriended some am...

The Fidget cube; fad or finding ?  Explaining the Fad craze   We live in a society that is obsessed with keeping up with the Jones' and at a close second, what is next? As I have been growing up I have observed many fads including; pogs, yoyo's, aliens in goo, vibrating hamsters, beanie babies, snap bands and Tamagotchi's. Even now, as a adult the fad fascination continues; mindfulness, adult colouring books, fidget spinners, dot to dot, Pokémon go what next? Who knows?      Now and again,  a fad catches my eye and out of curiosity I give into the fad to see; 1 What is all the fuss about ? 2. What are the benefits of the Fad and 3. Can participating in the said fad be beneficial in the long run? In a previous blog I explored adult colouring books and came to the conclusion that they do deserve the praise and recommendations that are ascribed to them, they promote calmness and a clearer mind. In the long term adult colouring books  imp...

                                                                                          Tips from a Tidy Dyspraxic... yes we do exist !                                                                           Introduction          As we already know Dyspraxia is a complex neurological condition that affects all aspects of our lives; from waking up in the morning, going to bed at night and living in between. Also, there are no potions, cures and solutions to zap it away in an instant. Therefore, the responsibility of managing our Dyspra...

Shattering the comfort zone   In today's blog I am going to discuss how easy it is to get stuck in a rut, the problems that co-inside with being complacent followed by some practical pointers on breaking free from the comfort zone. I am going to be very practical referring to my own experiences, which should, (hopefully) give you some insight on dealing with similar situations yourselves. Also, I'm going to use this opportunity to give a shout out to The Dyspraxia Foundation, Manchester Adult support group. Why you ask? Simply because they deserve it and perhaps if you are a Dyspraxic Adult who is feeling lonely and misunderstood this could be an opportunity for you to be proactive and do something about it. I'm of the firm belief that effort regardless of the barriers in the way, empowers and strengthens you for the next battle that life throws your way.  My Ruts'   As of recently there have been two negative ruts that I have caged myself in, but firs...

Dyspraxia and Change   Fail to prepare, prepare to fail When I studied GCSE Art I remember my Art tutor telling us "fail to prepare, prepare to fail", I did not realise back then how very accurate that was, and is, to this day. In fact as an adult the above quote has become all the more relevant. I don't know about you my fellow Dyspraxics? But I don't like change, in fact I would go as far as to say I hate it. It's a funny feeling to be honest because even though I know change is often good and necessary, I still associate it with anxiety and dread. A lot of adults with Dyspraxia have anxiety and depression to contend with and its no walk in the park. So in today's blogg, I am going to address the issue of dealing with change  and lets face it, we cant handle anything well if we don't prepare. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Moving on out  Having been through the moving out process I have decided I do not want to move out again... ev...

Describing Dyspraxia  Thoughts on my description...                          At present I am brain racing but thankfully at a bearable level whereby, I can use some of the thoughts that are whizzing around in my head and explore the issues surrounding them. My thoughts are on Dyspraxia at present, I think this is because on Wednesday I did a talk on Dyspraxia and how it affects adults. I also used the opportunity to advertise and discuss the book ' Dyspraxic Adults surviving in a none Dyspraxic World'.  The Hub is a group that supports young people and adults with mental health issues, learning disabilities and or physical health problems. And I was happy to be asked to do a talk on Dyspraxia and push myself past my comfort zone with regards speaking in public.  Dyspraxia is a difficult neurological condition to define, however, a few years ago I came up with what I thought was a good way to ...

Clap, Clap, Click, Click ! They gave you clap clap, they gave you click, click followed by a resounding curly, wurly, you're thick. You never stood a chance, they never had a clue. There was no instruction manual telling us what to do. Have you heard of Dyspraxia ?  No not Dyslexia!  Have you heard of Dyspraxia?  No not Dyslexia!  They gave us clap, clap, they gave us click,click They underestimated us, believing we're thick. We never stood a chance, they never had a clue. Yet they felt it right to tell us what to do.    We fill our own shoes and our paths are just our own.  If  'experts' ignore us they will never grow.  Writers, actors, a prime minister or two. Who realised the potential of what a  Dyspraxic can do ?   Whoever knew that we could aim for stars?   Whoever knew that we could reach so far?  They gave us clap, clap, they gave us click, click. Judg...

    Struggle produces good           Points to Ponder             Apologies my fellow Dyspraxics, it has been a while. How have you been? And how are you coping with the summer. I personally love the sunshine, heat means less pain and the pain that remains is less intense. Sunshine beating down on me, with a slight breeze and fresh air all make life that bit more tolerable. On a day as beautiful and warm as today I would go as far as to say it makes life more pleasant. However, I know for some Dyspraxics this type of climate is too hot, stuffy, intense to cope with and for some Dyspraxics Autumn or even winter is most preferable.  It fascinates me how just as no two people are the same no two Dyspraxics are the, when I joined the Dyspraxia group in 2012, I was literally gobsmacked by how diverse and talented we Dyspraxics are. Janet Taylor comedian extraordinaire, who has the confidence and the quick w...

We are Survivors, not Sufferers! The 'S word'. When I was in University I would often start the essay by defining key words and or key theories in the first section. By beginning with definitions and explanations, it was easier for me to form a structure and it was also easier for Tutors to understand my line of thought. In today's post, my fellow Dyspraxics' I am going to define some key words, so that hopefully what I am trying to say will flow and make sense. I know what it is to feel isolated, awkward and misunderstood after all, I'm Dyspraxic, however, these issues are not directly associated with Dyspraxia; these issues are directly related to societies ignorance and lack of regard for Dyspraxia. I repeat Dyspraxia itself does not lead to isolation and awkwardness; it is societies' lack of understanding and regard that contributes to our feelings of isolation. It is up to us, my fellow Dyspraxics to inform our family, friends, work mates, sp...

Tackling the problem Step by step Thank you Hello my fellow Dyspraxics',  First, I would like to thank you. Thank you for making time to read what I have written and hopefully, you can relate and obtain some comfort from knowing that you are not alone. I have been moved by some of the readers comments; I too am obtaining comfort because you are reassuring me that I am not alone. Writing is a release for me as I can write better then I can speak.  When I am talking to people I worry and my mind clogs up with all these different thoughts such as; 'do I make sense?'  'Have I caused offence?' and ' Am I understanding what I am being told?'         As we Dyspraxics' know if our mind is going 'overtime' during conversations we are more then likely unable to remember, understand and react appropriately to what has been said. So, the cruel irony is the more we think about communicating properly, the more difficult it is for us t...