Dyspraxic Adults

Greetings,

I'm from the UK, in my late 30s and suspect I may have Dyspraxia after a lifetime of undiagnosed SpLD needs.

By the time I was 2 years old the doctors had picked up that I had speech problems, something that didn't improve until I was almost into double digits age wise.

Crawling I apparently moved my legs first with chest down, then used my arms to move along. But childhood it was noted that my co-ordination was always 'off' especially when it came to running. Plus I didn't learn to ride a bike or tie my shoe laces until I was at least 7 years old. Was never any good at sports during school and tended to be an introvert/loner and had learning support until the end of my time in school, but generally had decent grades for most subjects.

Working life has seen me mostly doing customer facing/retail based jobs which I've hated doing and found stressful. Did have some employers comment that I was a bit slow, certainly did seem to take longer to do jobs compared to others but despite this I was often praised for being a hard worker got got on with the job.

Few years ago I went for an autism assessment which proved to be inconclusive and tried for a dyspraxia assessment as well, but the doctor I ultimately saw was not familiar with the condition.

Skip forward to the tail end of covid I joined the military (which was a lifelong goal), though whilst it has proven to be a good move for me it hasn't been without it's challenges. Struggled through basic training, the physical aspects like fitness and marching, and had one of the instructors ask if I was dyspraxic. I'm now in an IT based role, but still face challenges like the annual fitness where I struggle to meet the required standard on the beep test/shuttle runs but scored high on an alternative non-running test.

Currently trying to get an assessment for dyspraxia, no joy through the NHS but have spoken with Dyspraxia UK and they seem to think an assessment would be worthwhile....just need to sort out funding.

So, as a general overview, that's me.

Hi and welcome

We're often strivers and can turn up in the most unlikely of places/roles as we push ourselves hard and can mask some/enough of our difficulties.

Do you have a welfare officer/team who you can speak to re assessment for your suspected Dyspraxia?

Going through service medical channels, just trying to see if I can get funding.

Dyspraxia is recognised alongside dyslexia and ADHD, but it's bit of a lottery if there's somebody who knows dyspraxia and the pathways to assessment.

During training I did the Dyslexic Adult Screening Test and scored enough for intervention (which was extra time on exams) and I also did the Do-It Profiler/Nueordiversity Workplace Screener which has proved useful as evidence.

Despite facing obstacles with assessments and funding through the NHS, reaching out to Dyspraxia UK seems promising. Getting a formal diagnosis could provide clarity and support, especially in your military role. Keep pushing forward, and best of luck with sorting out the assessment.

Looks like NHS Right to Choose might be an option.

Regardless, would be it be worthwhile if I wrote a piece regarding dyspraxia and the military (at least for the British Armed Forces)?

stormwell wrote: ↑Mon Jul 08, 2024 4:19 pm Looks like NHS Right to Choose might be an option.

Regardless, would be it be worthwhile if I wrote a piece regarding dyspraxia and the military (at least for the British Armed Forces)?

I think this would be a really useful for those who have found their way into the military and are fearful of what the revelation might mean.