Professional relationship support

[DyspraxiaFam]

Hi there

Wondering if anyone might have suggestions of professional support (counselling, including around relationships).

One of our family members (let’s call him James) is in his 30s and has dyspraxia. He recently expressed strong emotions about “never going to be happy” (he was crying inconsolably). We think it is related to his desire to find a romantic relationship, which we do not believe he has ever had.

The family finds it difficult to communicate effectively with James to fully understand what he is thinking or how he is feeling. He has a close relationship with his father, with whom he has the most social contact, although James does have a job at a local company as well. Other family members have either passed away or are far away.

We are struggling to know how best to support James. It may require arranging for a counsellor to speak with him. He may also need assistance to help him build his confidence and help him find ways to meet other people (both socially and romantically). He mentioned in passing some time ago that he messaged others on dating websites but did not receive responses. The difficulties in forming bonds with others are possibly exacerbated by him living in a small town in East Anglia.

If anyone has any suggestions of what actions we could take or professionals we could speak with, that would be really helpful. Thank you.

[Tom fod]

Hi there

I can definitely empathise as I've always been inveterately single and am now well into my 40s Regrettably people on dating sites can be (and/or very much feel like they're) unforgiving and fickle. It's like a sweet shop and no one seems to quite know exactly what they want or need. It feels like there are far too many blokes vying for the attention of a seemingly smaller pool of ladies.

Counselling is definitely worth a go, though try to find a counsellor who is a good match, is patient and has some understanding of dyspraxia/neurodiversity. Some kind of Life coaching may also be worth looking at in terms of building self-confidence. If there are any clubs /classes or volunteering type roles he could get involved with to help build his self-confidence and also give him the opportunity to mingle that is worth a try too.

Also please have a look through viewtopic.php?t=7385.

[DyspraxiaFam]

Thanks so much Tom, really appreciate you sharing your own experience and also the resources page.

[Tom fod]

You're v welcome.
Hope it gives you some useful leads.