Hi and welcome to the forum. I'm pleased you've found it and I hope it does you as much good as it's done me. I'm a similar age (44) and I've just been diagnosed a few months ago, so I definitely don't think it's too late. I must admit I didn't find I got any joy out of the NHS, but I don't want to put you off, because all areas are different. I did in the end go privately and I got the diagnosis. I've got a few exercises to try and help myself, but really the main advantage has been finally to get an answer! To know that there are all these other people with similar issues, it has been amazing for me. I've met loads of new people and it's been good to know I'm no the only one.
When I say I didn't get any joy from the NHS, I have to admit that my GP was really nice, but they didn't know a lot about it, and the neurologist I saw, although friendly enough, seemed to think most of my problems came down to anxiety and depression, although he said I did display a lot of the symptoms of dyspraxia and could get help from the Dyspraxia Foundation. I could have left it there, but it was very important for me to get a diagnosis, and I am so pleased that I did. It has been the best thing I've done. I would say go in confidently and research and take notes with you. It's so easy for us to be put down. All my life it's been "well you just need to try a bit harder" or "there's nothing wrong with you, you just need to concentrate". Even when people are understanding, they don't really understand it like someone else who has dyspraxia.
I'd really recommend getting in the touch with the Dyspraxia Foundation at
www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk They will be getting a help line soon, but they have a lot of local groups. My local people in Berkshire have been really helpful.
Try not to be too down on yourself - although I don't always take my own advice! I've had depression on and off for years, and although I have been working most of the time up until having my daughter, I have had certain difficulties, especially with practical tasks. It's a case of finding things you can do and trying not to worry (easier said than done of course!) It took me three years to pass my driving test, and at the time I had no idea why I couldn't get to grips with everything, because I have a good memory for words and facts etc, but anything hands-on is really hard. As a child I had difficulty riding a bike and tying shoeslaces.
Good luck, and no don't think it's too late. My Dad, who we're fairly sure is dyslexic, is 70 and has been doing literacy classes. It has been brilliant and he now writes me letters which he never used to, and he's got a lot more confidence, so I think it's always worth it. A lot more is known about these conditions now, compared to when we were young, and even now there's not enough knowledge, but it's miles better. I would say that just getting together with other people who understand is a great help.
Hi,