Hi,
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. It's kind of a bit of a big step for me to do. Almost as big as coming out to my parents almost 20 years ago.
My name is Justin, I'm 43 and I think I might have dsypraxia. And it seems that some of those closest to me think the same.
I have mentioned it to my GP in the past but he admitted to not having much knowledge of the condition. He did suggest I take a look at your sight and perhaps contact you.
I've looked at the signs and symptoms listed on the sight and if I'm honest I can apply probably half to myself.
* Poor balance. I can't ride a bicycle (my husband is threatening to get a tandem!) and going hill walking is great fun!
* I can't catch, throw or kick a ball to save my life. I was always the last one picked for team sports.
* Have zero rhythm and can't dance.
* I fall, trip and bump into things and people. I've tripped over my own feet and it's a surprise I haven't done more damage to my knees. I walk into furniture and door handles and invariably end up with bruises I have no idea how I got.
* When I'm writing or drawing I practically tear the page...
* When someone points our a plane or star in the sky I can never see it
* I'm hopeless with directions and a useless navigator. Thank goodness for sat navigation.
* I suffer from depression and anxiety. I get stressed about things that I have no control over or that have not even happened yet.
* Since Ive been a child, I've developed obsessions and whilst any particular topic had/has my attention I know absolutely anything about it and cold cite it with almost 100% accuracy.
So, what do I do now? It's expensive to deal with an occupational therapist and would an official diagnosis at this stage make a difference?
Any advice you may be able to give would be greatly appreciated.
Hello from Dublin
Moderator: Moderator Team
Re: Hello from Dublin
Hi Justin,
Welcome to the forum and glad you've found us.
As far as signs and symptoms go having half is probably telling, we do tend to still be adaptable and not everyone is the same. Diagnosis can be difficult to obtain, esp as an adult. Many want/need formal confirmation for vindication and/or perhaps to compel an employer to provide reasonable adjustments or for evidence to use at an industrial tribunal.
I'd definitely look at CBT/counselling and or mindfulness to help you with your anxiety. When you feel incapable it's a natural reaction that regrettable can become a vicious circle. Learning to be kinder to ourselves is really important!
Are you aware of/have you tried contacting https://www.dyspraxia.ie Also, if you haven't already, do take a look at www.dyspraxialifemagazine.co.uk too
Welcome to the forum and glad you've found us.
As far as signs and symptoms go having half is probably telling, we do tend to still be adaptable and not everyone is the same. Diagnosis can be difficult to obtain, esp as an adult. Many want/need formal confirmation for vindication and/or perhaps to compel an employer to provide reasonable adjustments or for evidence to use at an industrial tribunal.
I'd definitely look at CBT/counselling and or mindfulness to help you with your anxiety. When you feel incapable it's a natural reaction that regrettable can become a vicious circle. Learning to be kinder to ourselves is really important!
Are you aware of/have you tried contacting https://www.dyspraxia.ie Also, if you haven't already, do take a look at www.dyspraxialifemagazine.co.uk too
Tom
Moderator/Administrator
With a foot full of bullets I tried to run faster but I just hobbled on to the next disaster.
(from Peter and the Test Tube Babies, Foot Full of Bullets)
Moderator/Administrator
With a foot full of bullets I tried to run faster but I just hobbled on to the next disaster.
(from Peter and the Test Tube Babies, Foot Full of Bullets)
-
ComicBookFan
- Getting settled in
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2019 7:05 pm
Re: Hello from Dublin
Thanks for the welcome Tom. I'm looking foward to exporing the board and the resources available.
Re: Hello from Dublin
Justin
You're v welcome. There are posts going back to 2006 on all manner of subjects and we can always point you in the direction of other web-based resources. The Dyspraxic Doctor site is good. Also there are people like the Two Dyspraxics and Krystal Bella Shaw who have You Tube channels as well as closed groups on Facebook.
You're v welcome. There are posts going back to 2006 on all manner of subjects and we can always point you in the direction of other web-based resources. The Dyspraxic Doctor site is good. Also there are people like the Two Dyspraxics and Krystal Bella Shaw who have You Tube channels as well as closed groups on Facebook.
Tom
Moderator/Administrator
With a foot full of bullets I tried to run faster but I just hobbled on to the next disaster.
(from Peter and the Test Tube Babies, Foot Full of Bullets)
Moderator/Administrator
With a foot full of bullets I tried to run faster but I just hobbled on to the next disaster.
(from Peter and the Test Tube Babies, Foot Full of Bullets)
Re: Hello from Dublin
Hello
I had developmental delays in childhood and was late in walking etc. I think because in my instance they believed it was because they hadn't found my thyroid wasn't working until I was nearly two so I was given quite intensive physio to 'catch up' (as I couldn't even sit up unsupported at 23 months never mind starting to crawl, walk or speak!).
This was in the 70's so I suspect no-one knew or told my parents dyspraxia or even autism existed. I was eventually dx with autism but much later on. Have you considered Asperger Syndrome which also has similar symptoms such as the childhood obsessions and the 'clumsiness'?
I also had balance and co-ordination problems which came back again significantly in my early 30's (again due to thyroid problems causing body to start shutting down). I never managed to master learning to drive or swim even at my most able physically but I could originally walk without any walking aids (but not since my thirties).
When I was having problems again in my 30's the Wii console had just come out with the Wii Fit and it has a lot of games that focus on balance and co-ordination and several of the exercises in the yoga and muscles section that the physio person from the hospital was recommending so I bought it. It really helped but had to stick to it daily and stick to the easiest exercises at first. The games section helped make it more fun. I also used the Wii sports and one called 'Balance games' where you stand (or sit) on the balance board moving your body to move a ball round a course. (I used a zimmer frame as a balance aid) I still use the wii to this day though I now have the Wii Fit U version with the extra exercises and games. You can get them second hand/reconditioned off ebay as I believe they don't make the Wii or Wii U console anymore.
I used a zimmer frame or rollator round the wii board for some of the exercises when starting but got to the point I could do some without. I still need 'balance support for some exercises and games and some I can do without on a good day if my knees aren't too bad (also starting with arthritis as now 50). I do feel it has helped me to keep mobile for small distances (still need wheelchair/scooter for longer trips) but I live independently and can still manage round the house myself (dressing, showering, cooking etc), though I do live in an adapted bungalow.
I also found other more traditional style video games helped my hand eye co-ordination though I can't do anything that requires really fast reactions or fast sequences of multiple button pressing! But it has helped me get back from needing a specialised joystick as a mouse to being able to use a standard trackpad on a laptop again and being able to colour in (adult colouring books).
Susan
I had developmental delays in childhood and was late in walking etc. I think because in my instance they believed it was because they hadn't found my thyroid wasn't working until I was nearly two so I was given quite intensive physio to 'catch up' (as I couldn't even sit up unsupported at 23 months never mind starting to crawl, walk or speak!).
This was in the 70's so I suspect no-one knew or told my parents dyspraxia or even autism existed. I was eventually dx with autism but much later on. Have you considered Asperger Syndrome which also has similar symptoms such as the childhood obsessions and the 'clumsiness'?
I also had balance and co-ordination problems which came back again significantly in my early 30's (again due to thyroid problems causing body to start shutting down). I never managed to master learning to drive or swim even at my most able physically but I could originally walk without any walking aids (but not since my thirties).
When I was having problems again in my 30's the Wii console had just come out with the Wii Fit and it has a lot of games that focus on balance and co-ordination and several of the exercises in the yoga and muscles section that the physio person from the hospital was recommending so I bought it. It really helped but had to stick to it daily and stick to the easiest exercises at first. The games section helped make it more fun. I also used the Wii sports and one called 'Balance games' where you stand (or sit) on the balance board moving your body to move a ball round a course. (I used a zimmer frame as a balance aid) I still use the wii to this day though I now have the Wii Fit U version with the extra exercises and games. You can get them second hand/reconditioned off ebay as I believe they don't make the Wii or Wii U console anymore.
I used a zimmer frame or rollator round the wii board for some of the exercises when starting but got to the point I could do some without. I still need 'balance support for some exercises and games and some I can do without on a good day if my knees aren't too bad (also starting with arthritis as now 50). I do feel it has helped me to keep mobile for small distances (still need wheelchair/scooter for longer trips) but I live independently and can still manage round the house myself (dressing, showering, cooking etc), though I do live in an adapted bungalow.
I also found other more traditional style video games helped my hand eye co-ordination though I can't do anything that requires really fast reactions or fast sequences of multiple button pressing! But it has helped me get back from needing a specialised joystick as a mouse to being able to use a standard trackpad on a laptop again and being able to colour in (adult colouring books).
Susan
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ComicBookFan
- Getting settled in
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2019 7:05 pm
Re: Hello from Dublin
Hi Susan,
I don't *think* it's Aspergers, a close friends son has aspergers, while the other has recently been diagnosed with ADHD. Both were tested for dyspraxia and she was of my friends who suggested it as a possibility to me.
Three of my cousins kids also have dyspraxia and she recently admitted that thinking back she can associate what they go through with me growing up.
I used to think that being bad and having no interest in sport was because I was gay. I remember one particular PE lesson where the teacher made me stand on the school hall stage and be a human basket ball net because I had once again come to school without my PE gear.
I'm quite good at drawing, but hated technical drawing in school. Another teacher told me one day that I "could draw Mickey Mouse but couldn't draw a straight line!"
Justin.
I don't *think* it's Aspergers, a close friends son has aspergers, while the other has recently been diagnosed with ADHD. Both were tested for dyspraxia and she was of my friends who suggested it as a possibility to me.
Three of my cousins kids also have dyspraxia and she recently admitted that thinking back she can associate what they go through with me growing up.
I used to think that being bad and having no interest in sport was because I was gay. I remember one particular PE lesson where the teacher made me stand on the school hall stage and be a human basket ball net because I had once again come to school without my PE gear.
I'm quite good at drawing, but hated technical drawing in school. Another teacher told me one day that I "could draw Mickey Mouse but couldn't draw a straight line!"
Justin.
Re: Hello from Dublin
Hi there and welome! (I'm new here too!)
I'm 40 and didn't know about being diagnosed as dyspraxic in my childhood until very recently.
I'm convinced that not knowing has been more a help than a hinderance, sure the signs and symptoms have affected me but it's meant I've had to accept or deal with each of them individually.
I've always been pretty useless at sports, that was a cause of frustration and ridicule at school as I come from a fairly sporty family so it was kind of expected from me, I struggle to run and have an odd gait when I walk, I can't dance whatsoever but that doesn't stop me trying if I'm in the mood (people just have to watch out for flaling arms and legs lol).
I think the way dyspraxia affects me is more mental than physical, I have no trouble with really fine motor skills like drawing, using a computer, I even play guitar in bands but ask me to carry out a simple task like pick up a few items and carry them from one place to another and I'll be dropping things and bumping into stuff. Logical thinking can sometimes be an issue too, sequencing not so much as I write and learn to play music quite easily but I do have very strong tendencies to try and multitask and then struggle hard or start doing things without finishing the last thing I was doing.
I can relate to so many stories on here so I hope this site helps you in the same way and do keep posting!
I'm 40 and didn't know about being diagnosed as dyspraxic in my childhood until very recently.
I'm convinced that not knowing has been more a help than a hinderance, sure the signs and symptoms have affected me but it's meant I've had to accept or deal with each of them individually.
I've always been pretty useless at sports, that was a cause of frustration and ridicule at school as I come from a fairly sporty family so it was kind of expected from me, I struggle to run and have an odd gait when I walk, I can't dance whatsoever but that doesn't stop me trying if I'm in the mood (people just have to watch out for flaling arms and legs lol).
I think the way dyspraxia affects me is more mental than physical, I have no trouble with really fine motor skills like drawing, using a computer, I even play guitar in bands but ask me to carry out a simple task like pick up a few items and carry them from one place to another and I'll be dropping things and bumping into stuff. Logical thinking can sometimes be an issue too, sequencing not so much as I write and learn to play music quite easily but I do have very strong tendencies to try and multitask and then struggle hard or start doing things without finishing the last thing I was doing.
I can relate to so many stories on here so I hope this site helps you in the same way and do keep posting!