The Dyspraxic Copper

3. Learning how to Learn "Knowledge is power" yes, however some people have to work that bit harder to obtain and then a bit more again to demonstrate they have it. I thought after my first set of exams at school, that would be it - no more. The reality is, I'm still doing them. In school, sitting in classes, struggling to take notes or read poorly photocopied material - was not  productive for me. I tended to notice the white spaces between letters on print and would often loose my place. In addition I had to re-read the same passage in order to extract the context. Later I was to discover there was an easy fix to this with a colour overlay reading ruler (requires assessment). Copying from the board was generally a nightmare. I doubt I will have ever had a complete set of notes. I was struggling with a pen - awkward grip, too much pressure, slow word rate and a strain sensation were all issues - I dare say some still are. The knowledge was not in a part...

2. Dyspraxia - Awareness, Belief and the Maze. A little understanding can go a long away and awareness in dyspraxia is increasing however, knowing the term and knowing what it means are two different things. Dyslexia is a well known term, however one that is commonly misrepresented or poorly understood. Consider this - what is in a name? My answer - Ownership. An opportunity to exaplain a lot in one word. I was lucky. I was diagnosed aged 7 with dyspraxia. I had an explanation for my frustration and why I found things more challenging than my peers. What, as a 7 year old I did not have was an ability to verbalise what it was. I struggled with handwriting, seqencing and PE in particular. My understanding of dyspraxia was not everyone else’s understanding. I was already marked as slow and my formative years education seemed to leave me behind especially in mathematics and language. I was expected to perform poorly so therefore performance matched expectations hel...

1. Being Dyspraxic “Never let a label define you but instead take ownership of it.” Dyspraxia is a developmental disorder, neurological in basis which affects motor coordination. It causes issues in both gross (large) motor movements and also fine movements.  That said people with dyspraxia typically have issues with legible hand writing, hand eye coordination and learning / executing a precise sequence of movements. In addition it can cause issues with balance, speech, sensory intergration (over / under sensitivity to certain stimuli) and spatial awareness. It is a developmental condition but is also one for life.  In short - It’s not so much of a “can’t do” more of a “practice makes perfect” issue.  Sounds intreguing doesn’t it?   You might not have heard of it but, more people than you think have the condition. “That kid” at school that was an absolute bomb scare in PE,  last to be picked for team sports? Remember?  I was that ge...