Oct 9, 20194 min read

Did you know it is Dyspraxia Awareness Week

So it is Dyspraxia Awareness Week 2019

What is Dyspraxia

The Dyspraxia Foundation appreciates that dyspraxia/DCD is a life-long condition. In 2019, our annual national campaign ‘Dyspraxia Awareness Week’ – set to take place between the 6th – 12th October – shall focus on Further and Higher Education and Dyspraxia in Adulthood. To ensure we target the issues you care about, our Adult Representative Mark Robinson invites you to complete a short questionnaire to choose the specific topics you would like us to focus on during the campaign. If you are an individual with dyspraxia/DCD aged 18 +, please take a few minutes to share your views

Third of Adults seeking an assessment for dyspraxia were told that their GP could not help

Campaign calls for equality of access to diagnostic assessments for adults likely to have dyspraxia

Dyspraxia Foundation this week announces findings from a new survey which reveals a startling inequality of access to diagnostic assessments for adults likely to have dyspraxia – a form of developmental coordination disorder that can also affect planning, organisation and speech.

Around 3% of the adult population are thought to have dyspraxia, but a lack of diagnostic pathways means that dyspraxia often remains unrecognised in people who were not diagnosed as children.

The nationwide survey of almost 1500 adults highlighted the frustrating and distressing impact of poor awareness of dyspraxia in adulthood and the lack of diagnostic pathways for people whose difficulties were not recognised as children.

Nearly a third of adults who went to their GP seeking an assessment for dyspraxia were told that their GP could not help and 10% of survey respondents who believe themselves to have dyspraxia have been seeking a diagnosis for more than 2 years.

Lack of diagnostic pathways and uncertainty about where to go for help were the main barriers to diagnosis and adults were often unable to secure a diagnostic assessment without paying. For many the cost of a private assessment was prohibitive.

A worrying 80% of people who were diagnosed with dyspraxia as adults did not see a medical doctor as part of the diagnostic process as other neurodivergent explanations may be found by the specialist teacher/psychologist.

The importance of diagnosis for adults is clear. 71% of people diagnosed with dyspraxia were relieved to have a reason to explain their difficulties. 52% reported benefits to their mental health, 36% felt having a diagnosis helped relationship with family members and 52% reported benefits to daily living activities. 72% received advice regarding reasonable adjustments.

By contrast, two-thirds of respondents without a formal diagnosis feel this has had a negative impact on social relationships, mental health and everyday life. Over half feel that a lack of formal diagnosis is holding them back in their education and career progression.

“I’ve always believed I was underperforming, clumsy, disorganised, a ‘bit slow to catch on’ despite giving it my best effort. I’ve had depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember, moved around jobs a lot and I constantly worry I’m falling behind. I have difficulty following instructions, I really can’t do it. People think you are being lazy ormaking it up, but I really struggle to do practical things.” – undiagnosed adult.

Sophie Kayani, Chair of the Dyspraxia Foundation comments: “This survey has highlighted the very distressing impact that the lack of diagnostic pathways for adults has on people whose difficulties were not picked up in childhood.” “We receive many calls to our helpline from adults who are experiencing difficulties in their workplace or in their personal lives because of problems which could be explained by dyspraxia. But without a formal diagnosis these people are unable to access the support, understanding and adjustments they need to reach their potential and live the full and happy lives they deserve.

“What we need is better awareness of dyspraxia amongst GPs so that people don’t feel ‘fobbed off’ or embarrassed about asking for help. We also need clear diagnostic pathways that include a medical assessment, and access to post-diagnostic support so that people can identify the tools and strategies that will enable them to live their best lives at home, in education and in the workplace.”

That’s why the Dyspraxia Foundation – the only national charity in the UK dedicated to raising awareness of the condition – is focusing on raising awareness of dyspraxia in adults for its 2019 Awareness Week this October. During the week the charity will be launching a series of resources for adults and professionals.

Sophie adds; “Whilst this survey has flagged up some very real concerns about the lack of diagnostic pathways for adults, the Dyspraxia Foundation has a very positive outlook and we support many wonderful people who are achieving amazing things, despite their difficulties. At the Dyspraxia Foundation, we truly believe that dyspraxia shouldn’t hold anyone back from fulfilling their potential.”

Dyspraxia is a form of developmental coordination disorder and affects people across the lifespan. Poor physical skills are the main feature of the condition, but dyspraxia can also affect speech, organisation, planning and time management.

Please contact 01462 455016 or info@dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk if you would like more information about the Dyspraxia Foundation or to become involved with fundraising or awareness activities during Dyspraxia Awareness Week (6-12th October). ENDS