Hello I'm a new Member

[Johnfleming]

My name is John Fleming, I am 19 years old. I am currently a Student In the United Kingdom Studying Music Technology Level 3 (Equivalent to A-Level) Born In Wyoming, Rock Springs United States Of America, I have duel citizenship! Quite Rare nowadays, I earned this when I moved to the United Kingdom Back in 2004.

My Dispraxia Story...

I was diagnosed with Dispraxia when I was 8 Years old, Heading into pre-school, I showed early signs of Dispraxia, including Clumsiness, Handwriting Difficulty, amongst many different problems going through the education system. I came to primary school, and struggled all through those years. Finally I had reached High School, My mother bless her soul, approached the school and explained that I had Dispraxia, but they did not see it as a valid disability/disorder. So I struggled throughout my high school years, I also learned a heart crushing truth that my father had taken his own life, my father before his death was a United States Marine, Loving Father, Bipolar positive, kind but gentle man. He is and always will be my hero. He ended his life in 2013. When i was just 13 years old... some people I have told this story too, say how have you coped? How have you been able to move forward? Loosing a parent at a young age is... unbearable. Anyone who reads this, and may have feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts please accept help! I was a mess in school, The class clown. Being funny and making people laugh is what i was good at. I left school with no GCSE'S. I blame myself and the education system in this country who do not help those in need! But since leaving school I have had multiple good paid jobs, I have a level 2 food safety certificate from working in a kitchen, I have been a waiter, A barman, A hotel Conference & Events Assistant. But i left all those jobs because, sadly I was rushed into a lot of responsibilities that I could not handle, the stress, the overwhelming sense of anxiety. I was always looked after by HR but things did not work out there for me. Because I struggled, a lot. I have a business administration level 2 qualification, as well as a Level 2 Music Technology certificate, which I am now doing level 3 and I finish that on my birthday the 10th of July 2000 when I turn 20 Years Old.

My interests...

- I love all types of music from early hip hop to British rock band Oasis.
- Gaming (One of my coping methods) love my gaming
- Fashion - Favourite brand / Designer - Tommy Hilfiger

My other Diagnosis...

- Depression
- Dyscalculia

A message I would like to share with you all...

I was finishing high school, year 11. I made some bad choices, I was drinking a lot with friends to be social, I was introduced to Weed, I took a very dark path a few years ago, I was going to a lot of house parties, socialising. After all of that around 2 years ago before my 18th birthday I almost took my own life, I had decided to stop, because I thought I have let this pain take over me, but I wasn't going to give up hope. So I reached out to a therapist for CBT, it didn't really help me if i'm honest, but everyone is different. But i found a coping method, I like to play games on my gaming PC, this lets me relax and calm down after a long day at college. The message is please, before you decide to take your own life, i know it's easier said than done but please try your hardest to reach out to someone, or me! please message me if you feel or know anyone that is suffering. There are people in this world who care!

Peace & Love from Big John (My childhood nickname)

Thank you for reading and God Bless your soul.

Have a lovely day!

Big John Out! (*Drops Mic*)

[Tom fod]

Hi John and a warm welcome. Glad you've found us and Thank you for your introduction

So sorry to read about your dad. I can only begin to imagine some of the strain veterans and their family members feel.

Comparatively I think the UK is much(?) better in terms of Dyspraxia Awareness. Of course it certainly has a very long way to go. In many respects, knowledge is even less prevalent in North America and people so often seem to be shoehorned into an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD or Autism.

I've heard it reported that the sum total of some British teachers' training was that they were told a dyspraxic would fall out of their chair. I mean, FFS! So often it is dismissed as we are often academically capable. My Maths also let me down a bit as a I had to retake my maths GCSE to get the C I wanted/needed.

I think is really important that we find a good employer who can see our potential and help us reach it. Lots of folk drift through a variety of employment roles looking for the right niche. I don't think I would survive in a commercial kitchen and would probably say words with a vehemence that would unsettle Gordon Ramsay!

[GallusLass]

Hi John - that's a really hard start that you've had. I feel for you, having had those feelings as a youngster myself. Life's just not fair - hits you with multiple problems when you're trying your hardest to make your own way in the world. My additional complications were my mother's mental health problems and an escape artist father who left me, as the oldest. to cope. It seems at the time that you don't have choices, but believe me - it gets better when you can have some control over family relationships and you adapt to your dyspraxia. So glad to hear that you are expanding your music experience that will bring lifelong pleasure. Also - do not underestimate the power of gaming! This is excellent brain training! I used the old Nintendo and Mario to help with my hand to eye co-ordination prior to my driving test. You may be an ideal candidate for a career in the gaming industry - have a look at some of the courses you can take up to degree level.