Another undiagnosed dyspraxic (probably....)

[PaulWH]

Hi Folks

I'm Paul, and although I've never been diagnosed with dyspraxia I've always known that I was 'differently wired' to most other people.

At almost 66 years old, and having had a generally fulfilling life so far, there isn't much point in seeking a formal diagnosis now. However, from taking quizzes and chatting informally with a neurodiversity professional I do seem to score quite highly on the dyspraxia scale. For example, although I was an early walker it did take me a long time to master things that other kids achieved much earlier on. For example: legible handwriting (age 10), tying shoelaces (age 11), riding a bike (age 13), swimming (age 16), driving a car (age 28). I was never any good at sports or athletics (apart from long jump, when my height and long legs obviously overcame my dyspraxic tendencies), and team games of any kind were impossible. I am a passable darts player, although even here I have an unusual throwing technique, and if I take part in skittles or bowling I tend to launch myself down the alley floor with the ball! I have fairly poor fine motor skills, although as part of my work I did successfully learn to use a variety of outdoor hand tools and machinery, and I am a quite good (if slow) home cook. I still find some household tasks challenging, such as shaving, ironing and sometimes even eating without being too messy, although strangely I have always got on well using chopsticks.

People often talk about links between dyspraxia and other conditions such as dyslexia and dyscalculia. A former work colleague, who believed he was dyspraxic - although to a lesser extent than me - was formally diagnosed as dyslexic, but nonetheless he achieved an MSc. In my case, I have always struggled at maths, apart from mental arithmetic, where I can work out things in my head quicker than most other people, so dyscalculia quizzes I have taken had inconclusive results. The other stuff - algebra, geometry, trigonometry and the like - was almost like black magic to me, not helped by bad teaching at a fairly poor secondary school. Despite expending a lot of time and effort, including long after I had left school, I didn't manage to pass GCE 'O'-Level (GCSE to you younger folk) Maths, although I had little difficulty in obtaining a 2.1 Environmental Science degree. I would be interested in other peoples' thoughts on links between dyspraxia and other neurological conditions.

To sum up, having - almost certainly - dyspraxia has been something that I've managed to live with, and although it's clearly had a negative impact on my life in some respects (my biggest regret is never being able to play a musical instrument), I do feel that in some ways it's also been a positive experience. It's inspired me to succeed in things where other people had written me off - I even passed GCSE Maths aged 59! - and it guided me towards different, and more rewarding, avenues of interest. I never like to offer advice without being asked, but I would say to anyone with dyspraxia - whether diagnosed or not - just because you may be a bit different from most other people, it doesn't mean that you're not as good.

Regards
Paul

[CelestialCipher]

Hey Paul, it's clear you've faced challenges with dyspraxia head-on and found your own path to success. Passing GCSE Maths at 59 is impressive! Your perspective on neurodiversity and how it's shaped your life is really insightful. Keep embracing what makes you unique—it hasn't stopped you from living a fulfilling life.

[Tom fod]

- whether diagnosed or not - just because you may be a bit different from most other people, it doesn't mean that you're not as good.

Regards
Paul

Hi Paul

Welcome to the Forum

Exactly and plenty of people have struggled and not known why or struggled to obtain an assessment to give them the confirmation they need