My Developmental Coordination Disorder (dyspraxia)

By Kat Cauchi, Community Engagement Manager, Online Magazine Editor, former Primary School Teacher in Cambridgeshire

“Around 3-5% of adults in the UK are thought to have some kind of dyspraxia or DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder)”, according to Cambridge University Hospitals (NHS Foundation Trust). I’m one of those adults, but you may not realise it. As with any neurodivergence or disability there are varying degrees and impacts, with some perhaps being almost invisible to others.

How DCD affects me and what helps me

Here are three areas of impact from my DCD and what helps me manage these.

Fine motor skills: This is something that I have hugely improved over time but, when I was very young, my parents were told that I would not be able to write by hand. I was given 1:1 typing lessons because my teachers were sure I wouldn’t be able to do it either. However, I was very determined that I would be able to write, so I found a way to make it work for me. My pen grasp isn’t standard but it feels more comfortable, so I’ve stuck with it.

I was given extra time in exams at primary and secondary school but, actually, I was always one of the students who finished early. This is an example of why it’s important to remember everyone has different requirements to support their own unique experience with their condition. I do find that, when handwriting or typing for prolonged periods, I will experience pain and discomfort. Otherwise, I feel I can do this just as proficiently as the average person – if not more so! So, the most important thing for me is building in breaks and (when I remember) hand/wrist stretches.

Energy: I get tired quite easily from physical activity, so exercise is something I have always struggled with. I didn’t enjoy PE whatsoever at school because of this and my poorer coordination skills. However, in my thirties, I have finally found a form of exercise I really enjoy and this has enabled me to invest the time it takes to build up physical stamina. aerial hoop  has helped my physical energy levels, stamina, flexibility, strength and coordination immensely. Additionally, I finally appreciate the link between exercise and mental health. I wish I had found this years ago!

It can be difficult with a desk job to find time to build in physical activity during the day but having a short walk at lunchtime or even using the stairs to go to the bathroom on a different floor can help.

Processing: It can take me a few rounds to understand a sequence of information. For example, when I’m learning choreography or new movements at my aerial hoop class, I need to see and practice several times to get it into my head and to get it all down (especially to make it flow). When learning new things, I retain the knowledge better if I have opportunities to practice and use it in different ways – that repetition helps build my confidence too. This isn’t to say that I can’t learn some things quickly, and I am actually very adaptable and keen to learn new things.

What is helpful here, is others being patient and understanding that I might need to go over something again or have it explained differently. Sometimes, for example, a bullet point list can help make instructions and key information clearer and easier to process.

Do you have DCD/dyspraxia? Maybe someone you know does. What helps you or what could help them?