36 Comments

1. I am so glad I have found this info on Dyspraxia !!! my oldest will soon be 9. she has been having trouble cutting,writing buttoning, holding her pencil and still unable to tie her shoes. she saw a Specialist a few months ago!! he told me in front of her she will never improve!! I refuse to give up on her!!! Its heartbreaking to see the look and sadness in her eyes!! she tries so hard!! all this has been in her file since K!! even though I knew long before this!!!! please anything more u can help me with send our way!! seems we are on our on except for one great teacher whom got told that is not her place to try to find the problem!!!! she is God send just wish the others saw that!! :)

   Posted by: Melissa on Thursday, 02 February 2012

2. i've read several comments and it seems like a lot of boys are having similar difficulties. i'm here because after my infant son had a blood test at birth and it was discovered that he was born with a chromosome abnormality. we are preparing to experience several behaviors and developmental delays. his issue will present itself as language and motor delays along with possible frustrations with school/learning settings and peer relationships. i'm wondering if many of these other commenters also have sons with the same chromosome abnormality. my son has a rather common among males abnormality. just something to think about.

   Posted by: kim on Saturday, 21 January 2012

3. I have two children that has a learning. Disability but they are different . My 10 year old son is 2 years behine in school and he has bevaour problems and is so quit where my 9 year daught is 2 years behide but well behavour and she can talk. They both have speech delays and have trouble in learning with everything.

   Posted by: katherine hargreaves on Tuesday, 17 January 2012

4. My son is 7 and struggles at school. Wen he was 2 he wouldnt wear heavy or tight coats or tops he wud scream and be inconsolable if i tried to make him wear them.He also struggles explaining things that hav happened and often ends up coming out in the wrong order. He saw a dr and she said he had floppy fingers and thats why he couldnt hold his pen properly about a year ago and wrote to the school to say they needed to get o.t in which still hasnt been done, the worst thing is his classmates now notice how different he is to them, as he quite often comes out with random things and words that dont exist, his ed psych has said that he may hav this but he's always cleaned his teeth,brushed his hair fine and it took him 10 min to learn to ride his bike. He also gets angry very easily and will go off and crawl under the bed piling covers and teddys over and around him and can stay for for some time and wen he gets really upset he will try to hurt himself , is there any1 else whose child is similar to mine please.

   Posted by: Gemma Stevenson on Thursday, 12 January 2012

5. Kerry my 8 yr old and my 3 yr old have all been diagnosed with this. I hate to say it but it sounds like your child and my two boys need to get together. You are describing my oldest boy at that age. The behaviors will get better so far my sons have not gone away but again they have gotten better it seems to get worse when he becomes angry or frustrated. If you want someone to talk to who has/is there with you in the same boat please friend me on Facebook I am always around. my name is Angela Debolt my name on there is my maden name Angela Bixby. Or you can e mail me at angeladebolt25@yahoo.com It always helps to talk to someone who has been there. I ended up call community mental health for an evaluation on my son and they refered me to a developmental pediatrician and figured out what was wrong with him with in the first few minutes of being there. The sooner you can find him some help the better.I took him to several doctors until I became desprate and call CMH and I did the blame game on myself.

   Posted by: Angela on Monday, 09 January 2012

6. My son is turning six this year. He was diagnosed at birth with low tone, and he has always been a clumsy child. He met all of his milestones at a later age, beyond what was considered average. He did not speak until he was 3. He has been in kindergarten since August, and has had behavior problems, and difficulty learning his letters and numbers. He is socially ackward also. I came across this website and he fits the dyspraxia synptoms to a t and this is the first time that I really believe that there is hope for him to be able to have a successful life. Thank you all for the words of encouragement!

   Posted by: Chrissy on Sunday, 08 January 2012

7. My son is 5 yrs old and we always known something was just not right with him. We couldn't get any of his pediatricians to do further testing. He started early intervention at the age of 2 because he was not talking at all, then he had his tongue tie snipped hoping that would help...it didn't. He was just recently diagnosed with dyspraxia by his OT. I feel like I should be doing more. He has vision problems, significant speech delay and articulation problems, and significant motor planning disorder. Has anyone gotten an MRI for this disorder? I think I may insist on one. I have never met another child like mine and I feel like the doctors should be more concerned or at the very least want to put me at ease. Anyone have advice?

   Posted by: Kerry on Wednesday, 04 January 2012

8. My daughter is 20 and was diagnosed at 11. Her limitations were mostly physical (fine and gross motor skills, but after getting her in two fine schools, where children were not judged by disability alone, she did amazingly well. She graduated from High School with advanced college credits, as a National Honor Society Scholar, just completed her AA from the local community college, and is about to transfer to a University to finish her teaching credentials. NEVER allow teachers to limit your child. Most of them had never heard of "dyspraxia, and had no idea how to deal with it. Many of her issues were caused by the brutal way she was treated both by other kids, and the teachers themselves. The teasing led to her becoming silent, and uncommunicative. She was failing every subject in middle school, before we got permission for an out of district placement. Trust yourself...

   Posted by: Lisa S on Tuesday, 03 January 2012

9. My 11 year daughter has ADHD,dyspraxia and visual perception problems. She has been recieving Occupational Therapy since she was little we have seen some improvements. Her grades in school are really good but she is struggling in art and gym classes. She complains that she doesn't want to go to school on the day she has these classes. Socially it is hard on her because she is not able to do things like other kids.

   Posted by: Val on Tuesday, 03 January 2012

10. my name is jessica i'm 19 year old and i have Dyspraxia and Dyslexia. i found out i had when i was 11 and beacuse we find it so late, i have big problems with my spelling and understanding of long words. i dont know my left and right and but i love sports beacuse of my problems i didnt think i would get anywhere in life but, when i went to high school i got loads of help and i pushed myself all the time i never gave up and because of that study BTEC sports in sixth form and im currently in my second year at uni studing adventure sport mangement. dyspraxia affects people in different ways you just have to keep going and dont let it beat you. were just like everyone else we just need to work a bit hard to get where we want to go

    Posted by: Jessica Toombs on Wednesday, 07 December 2011

11. My 17 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with dyspraxia. We have been working on getting her driving and vision therapy was recommended. Has anyone heard of using VT with dyspraxia? If so, was there some success?

    Posted by: Colleen on Thursday, 24 November 2011

12. My son is 11 and was diagnosed with ADHD and Dyspraxia when he was 6. He is disorganised, can't tie laces and is clumsy in movement and speech. He had hardly any friends and no confidence until he joined a swimming club 18 months ago. He has made friends and his confidence and self esteem have vastly improved. He is learning to organise his time as he must attend training on time every session and his co-ordination and concentration are also improving. He entered himself into the cross country championship recently and I tried to talk him out of it. I try to protect him as much as possible from disappointment and nasty comments from other kids. He ran against kids ranging in age from 11 to 16 and he came 6th overall. He won the gold medal for his age group. This was a boy who used to trip over his own feet until he started swimming. I have also learned to have more faith in my son and not teach him to give up on things before he even starts them.

    Posted by: Joanne Lee on Tuesday, 22 November 2011

13. Just wana know how many of those symtoms by the Dyspraxia at Different Ages heading that you have should you worry about having this problem?

    Posted by: Lee-Ann Burri on Sunday, 20 November 2011

14. Karen, Wise Choice Educational Services in Canada offer a wonderful home based program called Neurodevelopment through Movements. It has been helping our 5 year old tremendously. (We do the program 3-4 days a week for approx 45 minutes a session. It is available for purchase on DVD and put together by certified Neuro-Pscychologist Suzanne Day. These Movements are movements that a child should make in the Womb, up until the end of the first year of life, and they stimulate different areas of the brain - visual, tactile, auditory,mobility and language. After just 3 months on this program we see a huge change in our child. He can now concentrate better, is more interested in anything to do with writing, drawing and art, can sit still for a meal without getting up every 2 seconds, and tie his shoelaces. We are going to continue these movements with him until he reaches the 100 session mark, and then progress to more excercises requiring a balance board, upon the suggestion of the therapist.

    Posted by: Kimberley Hensen on Thursday, 10 November 2011

15. Hi Maddy--Have you ever talked to your parents or a teacher or school counselor about your concerns? That would be the best thing to do. Maybe you could show this page when you talk to them to help you explain what you're worried about.

    Posted by: Kaleigh (NCLD Staff) on Thursday, 15 September 2011

16. I'm 13 and i'm VERY klutzy. I have AWFUL Handwriting like it's barely readable, and when I write more than a few sentences my arm starts hurt same with texting both of my arms start throbbing. I can't organize very well. I can't whisperer. I do NOT know left from right I have to do the hand trick and then I still don't know which is which. Do I have dyspraxia?

    Posted by: Maddy on Wednesday, 14 September 2011

17. Words of encouragement: I'm 36, and I have dyspraxia (misdiagnosed as dyslexia when I was young). I am lucky in that my form is not severe and doesn't affect my speech except in pitch and volume. Certainly, there are things I can't do. I was never good at sports (though I have fun bowling), I can't drive, or ride a bike (though I love my adult tricycle), I still have to do the hand trick to tell left and right, and I tie my shoelaces differently from anyone I know (tie 2 loops in a knot). But I'm married, and have a Master's Degree and am successful in my field. I live in the city and use public transportation, and have never let my difficulties stop me. My best advice is simply: Be supportive. Concentrate on and develop strengths and learn to work around the weaknesses. We're all of us amazing people!

    Posted by: Rebecca on Friday, 09 September 2011

18. My son has been diagnosed with many different things such as Hypotonia, (which I found out coinsides with dyspraxia) sensory integration disorder, adhd, etc. However, this last diagnosis of dyspraxia has been such a downer. I'm feeling lost and like someone has mentioned before it's hard to find people around you who are going through the same struggles. My son is only 5 and he needs friends around him who can relate and I need support of parents as well. Where to go?!?!

    Posted by: Dyspraxia diagnosis on Sunday, 04 September 2011

19. The following interview with Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride answered so many questions and brought me great hope. I encourage you all to check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GjJhh47Emao&list=PLC0AD9673E3D0F4A0

    Posted by: Becca on Wednesday, 03 August 2011

20. When i was 17 i am now 18 i was diagnose with having Ideomotor Dyspraxia and having been diagnosed so late. I just really found out about it and am researching it but it looks promising, and addresses a lot of these issues. My Parents always always pointed out how clumsy i was when it came to physical education. it didnt hold me back not knowing about having it so it real dosent hold me back now.

    Posted by: Natasha on Monday, 01 August 2011

21. What Is Dyspraxia?

    My daughter is now nearly 2 years old, a year ago she was diagnosed with a sensory defensive disorder, which I believe is true she has every symptom I have looked up, the only thing is she has extra things that are different about her, I have 3 other children who do not have special needs, and she is ticking all the boxes for dyspraxia, however I don't know how to go about saying it to all her therapists without sounding like a crazy mother who is looking for things to be up with her child (I'm not like that). What shall I do and how do I suggest it without sounding mad!

    Posted by: Natalie on Monday, 30 May 2011

22. What Is Dyspraxia?

    My son was diagnosed w/ motor dyspraxia when he was 4yrs old(he is almost 10 now) although it was obvious as an infant something wasnt quite right.Very few people including Dr's know very little about dyspraxia.Educating yourself & passing the info. on to your childs teachers is so important. I'm unable to find a dyspraxia support group or parents of child w/ dyspraxia in the New Hampshire area- any suggestions or recommendations from other parents? And thank you to the 24yr old w? dyspraxia-its so encouraging for a parent to read how successful you are despite the challenges you have dealt with,thank you so much!!! Michelle

    Posted by: Michelle Lewis on Saturday, 07 May 2011

23. Dyspraxia

    RI was relieved when my 4 year old son was diagnosed with motor dyspraxia. At 3 years old, all his symptoms mirrored those of a spectrum disorder, more specifically Asperger Syndrome. I am a special educator and fortunately recognized the red flags immediately but when his preschool teacher called a conference regarding socialization difficulties, I knew we would have to become proactive since early intervention is critical. After numerous evaluations, DCD/Motor Dyspraxia was the final diagnoses. My son began OT when he turned four and I am so pleased with the results. His avoidance behavior is reducing, he has coping strategie, and his socialization skills are improving. It is going to be a constant struggle for him but with the early interventions, and strong parental advocacy, he will be just fine. I can't stress enough how critical early intervention is and to go with your gut. Parents know when something isn't quite right so go with it. He/she may not "outgrow it".

    Posted by: Erin on Sunday, 28 November 2010

24. Dyspraxia

    I just started researching this as my 5 year old son has obvious coordination issues. For the people looking for a 'treatment', check out the Interactive Metronome. I just found out about it and am researching it but it looks promising, and addresses a lot of these issues.

    Posted by: Lisa on Sunday, 21 November 2010

25. Dyspraxia

    I am a 24 year old with an LD that has aspects of Dyspraxia. Do not give up hope! Success is possible with accommodation and learning self-advocacy. I am working on a BS after finishing a BA. Anything is possible.

    Posted by: Dani on Wednesday, 17 November 2010

26. Dyspraxia

    To the mother of the 6 month old:....continued........As a mother, you just know when something is wrong or your child needs help, and I encourage you to go with your gut and look for a new doctor if you feel like you are not being heard. Be prepared to have to fight for your child at every turn and don't settle for passivity on these issues from your current doctor. Good luck to you and your sons progress!

    Posted by: kellie on Friday, 05 November 2010

27. Dyspraxia

    To the mother of the 16 month old: I had a similar situation with my daughter's doctor when she was around 18 months old. After my daughter's two year check up I "fired" her pediatrician and began looking for a developmental pediatriians in my area. Unfortunately most develpmental peds require a referral from your general ped in order to be seen. I had to avoid this step by blatenly LYING my way into the office. And what do you know, after lying my way into the developmental ped office, and convincing them to perform an evaluation, my daughter left the office with a diagnosis FINALLY. Unfortunately her diagnosis was not so acurate at first, but it was relieving just to know that someone else recognised her need for help!.....continued...

    Posted by: Kellie on Friday, 05 November 2010

28. Dyspraxia

    When I saw the list of symptoms for dyspraxia, I felt relieved. Ive looked at my sons fingers and have wibdered why they dont work properly, why cant he write,use scissors,do up buttons, shoelaces and why is his head always in the clouds. Why doesn't he feel pain like everyone else and why does he stumble, trip, knock things over and have no sense of time. Could anyone tell me if they have successfully tried any brain exercises. Ive heard of the Dore program that collapsed and wondered were they on the right track. I really want to help him. I couldnt get an appointment for ages in my area to see an OT, so I also wondered if anyone had a book they have found useful. thanks

    Posted by: Karen Buddy on Monday, 01 November 2010

29. Dyspraxia

    i think i too have dyspraxia and i was looking for advice i am shy and hate talking about myself as it makes me deppressed but i would like someone to help me assess me but a loot of the centers are in england and im in scotland i have looked at the symtoms and i definitly agree that thats me any advice????

    Posted by: caroline mckenzie on Tuesday, 19 October 2010

30. Dyspraxia

    For the mother of the 16 mo old: My 3-year-old son has an unknown genetic disorder. He deals with dyspraxia, and verbal apraxia, along with cognitive delays. We are in that same "no formal duagnosis" boat. We found great help with our state Missouri's early intervention program. All states have this, but each state runs its program differently. It is set up to serve children ages 0-3 with delays. You do not need a formal diagnosis. They will come out and screen your child. In Missouri, if your child qualifies for PT, OT, or speech, the therapist will come to your house for free. (This is where the states differ.) You might want to look into this program. You can research it online, or call your local elementary school. They might have the contact info. Your son is still young for a formal diagnosis (we don't even have one on our son) but you can still get a lot of help and services.

    Posted by: Robyn on Thursday, 30 September 2010

31. Dyspraxia

    YOu need more information about the tendencies to dyspraxia as well as more specifics...and authors who publish books on this topoic

    Posted by: june wood on Thursday, 30 September 2010

32. Dyspraxia

    I'm 18 years old, and I'm CONVINCED I have this disorder. I have terrible handwriting, i'm a very messy eater. I lose things often, I have trouble doing tasks that are simple for other people, I have yet to find a sport that I'm even remotely good at, I walk and run funny, I took dance for years and always had to "watch people" because I could never get the combinations right, I have terrible short term memory but very good long term memory, I have aversions to many different kinds of fabrics and tight clothing, I bump into things a lot, I had a terrible time learning to drive, and more. The frustrating thing is that I haven't officially been diagnosed. This is because 1. Doctors are expensive, 2. I haven't had time, 3. I don't see the point in getting diagnosed when there is no treatment. Despite all this, I want to get a diagnosis so that people will believe me when I try to explain myself, rather than treating me like I'm just making it all up. Any tips for getting a diagnosis?

    Posted by: Adaire on Sunday, 26 September 2010

33. Dyspraxia

    My child at 4 1/2 was "diagnosed" (I put that in quotes only b/c not by an md) by an occupational therapist as having dyspraxia - our pediatrician had put my worries in an "oh, he's just a boy" box. However, we have 2 boys - the older diagnosed - and I could tell a distinct difference between them. I believe his case is mild, he has only a few of the symptoms mentioned - particularly the ones of infants. However, the ones he has are mainly related to immaturity, reading problems and coordination problems. He has been seeing an OT for almost a year and have had wonderful progress. He can now, at 6 1/2, dress himself unaided, tie his shoes, throw a football spiral and can read, though not fluidly. I still worry constantly though. Is there anyone on this board that has had a similar situation? My son is tall and looks old for his age so his immaturity is magnified in the eyes of strangers.

    Posted by: kat on Sunday, 15 August 2010

34. Dyspraxia

    My son is 16 months old and I was suspecting he had some sort of autism. Now that I've found info on dyspraxia, I know he's not autistic. Doctors seem unwilling to diagnose my son with anything at this age. If he had a diagnosis, he could get the help he needs to develop. I keep being told to wait and see...... its wasting precious time when I know whats wrong.....

    Posted by: Mary B on Saturday, 14 August 2010

35. Dyspraxia

    fine article

    Posted by: f rollins on Thursday, 03 June 2010

36. Dyspraxia

    my son is 17 years old.he has severe case of dyspraxia.he cant do any sports.he is doing well in school.he has a processing problem.he is extremely motivated and tries his best on anything he does.he still talks like a 7-8 year old kid.he does not have any friends.when he walks his whole body moves from right to left especially his head.he does not notice that.kids are mean to him because the way he walks and they make fun of him.he is 6'4" tall and 250 lbs.we have done all the therapy since he was a child.can you please suggest us anything else we should do.thanks.

    Posted by: johnny rahman on Friday, 21 May 2010