65 years old - just learned there is something called dyspraxia

[MarieFromCda]

Hi all.

I suspect that I'm dyspraxic. Recently, I happened across a UK website that outlined some of the indicators that could possibly indicate dyspraxia in an individual. Many of the characteristics listed were ones that I relate to. I printed off the list and went through it, thinking about experiences that I've had during my life. It's all very interesting.

[Tom fod]

Hi Marie

Firstly, apologies for slowness in acknowledging and responding. A lot of people only come to the realisation later in life. Regrettably it can often be difficult to get formal confirmation, if you need that. Most groups, including this one, make no distinction and people whether they have been through a medical or educational assessment or are self-discovered /declaring.

[MarieFromCda]

Hi Tom.

Thanks for your response.

When I started using the internet a lot in the year 2000, I found forums about HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), MBTI (Myers Briggs), Enneagram etc. I was in my 40s when I learned that I'm introverted, and that an introvert's brain is just wired differently than an extravert's brain. My young life was spent feeling ashamed of how I am and trying to find a way of being that would leave me feeling like I was welcome here with the other humans I met. All I did was fail. I've always been an outsider. So, I behaved in ways that were not the authentic me. The inauthentic me couldn't manage socially either, which is completely understandable.

I'm lucky in that my husband and I are compatible. He is introverted too. Retirement and this pandemic have found us becoming more and more reclusive.

As I read through the list of of indicators of Dyspraxia / DCD in an individual, I relate to many. Gross Motor Co-ordination, spatial awareness, balance, etc.

At this stage of life, a formal diagnosis would have little value, I think. But understanding that being this way isn't a shameful thing is helpful. I do wish that there had been an earlier understanding and some kind of supports available to help me learn. My life situation is such that I just muddled through as best that I could. Mostly on my own. Which is what most people do, I would guess.

[Yachell]

I pieced mine together in my late 50s after years of being “clumsy” and getting overwhelmed in busy spaces. I never bothered with a formal label, but a couple sessions with an adult OT and a local falls class helped: slower, deliberate movements, grippy shoes, walking poles on uneven ground, and giving myself extra time. Accepting the wiring took the sting out of it, and my partner’s introverted too, so quieter routines just work.

If you ever want faster access to physio or scans, I used an independent UK broker after a fall in retirement and they handled the claim start to finish. This page explains it simply:

Illegal Adverising removed by Admin and details shared regulatory Authorities for Fraud investigation and enforcement
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[Bluesman]

I almost definitely can self diagnose myself as dyspraxic at the age of 70. I appear to be a textbook example of the syndrome but I don't think apart from dyscalcia I have any other specific learning difficulties. Formal diagnosis is expensive to obtain , but a lot of problems I have had in my life now make sense to me.
Now I think I am neurodivergent , I would like to be in contact with others who can understand and support me. At the moment I don't know what to do with the feeling I am dyspraxic. There doesn't seem to be any help to come to terms with this. Any suggestions ?.

[Tom fod]

I almost definitely can self diagnose myself as dyspraxic at the age of 70. I appear to be a textbook example of the syndrome but I don't think apart from dyscalcia I have any other specific learning difficulties. Formal diagnosis is expensive to obtain , but a lot of problems I have had in my life now make sense to me.
Now I think I am neurodivergent , I would like to be in contact with others who can understand and support me. At the moment I don't know what to do with the feeling I am dyspraxic. There doesn't seem to be any help to come to terms with this. Any suggestions ?.

Hi and welcome

There's no requirement to have been diagnosed /assessed to join this or other online communities. Many people are self-discovered /self-declaring and it's never our business to challenge or pick apart any difficulties or symptoms you share.

Neurodivergent is an umbrella term that many are happy to embrace. I myself would describe myself as ND /Dyspraxic

While many people want and need formal diagnosis so they can accept there is a legitimate explanation for their struggles there is v little if any post-diagnosis support to be found.