Dear Diary, Becoming a mother is an exciting and transformative journey, complete with its own set of challenges. As a woman with dyspraxia, a condition that affects my coordination skills, I eagerly embraced the miracle of pregnancy while bracing myself for the hurdles that lay ahead. One of the prominent struggles I encountered revolved around maintaining balance as my baby bump continued to grow. Coordination has always been a challenge for me, but adding extra weight and a shifting centre of gravity only intensified my already delicate equilibrium. Tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, o ..read more

What do the facts say? Getting the right support for your needs ensures you thrive in your personal, social and work life, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Recognising the difference between Dyspraxia and Autism could be the fine line between understanding yourself and falling victim to misguided misinformation about what defines both conditions. Most Neurodivergent conditions have crossovers of traits, equally, there is also a high chance of qualifying for a diagnosis of more than one.   For example; 50% of Dyspraxic people are also ADHD (fliers et al, 2011) 50% of Dyspraxic p ..read more

Hello, I’m Chloe, a 27-year-old Cultural Studies & Media graduate and a qualified teacher who happens to be dyslexic. My educational journey wasn’t easy, I was filled with self-doubt and unique challenges that come with being dyslexic. However, understanding my dyslexia was transformative, reshaping my perception of myself and my capabilities. As we mark Dyslexia Awareness Week, it’s important to highlight the unique experiences of dyslexic individuals and the need for greater understanding and support. In this blog post, ‘Recruitment: What the NHS got right’, I share my experiences as a d ..read more

Today, I want to pour my heart out over the challenging and unpredictable journey of motherhood as a dyspraxic. I always dreamt of becoming a mother someday, but little did I know that my struggles with dyspraxia would intensify when faced with the whirlwind of being a new parent.       When I found out I was pregnant, an overwhelming wave of emotions engulfed me. Joy, apprehension, and a glimmer of fear danced within me. However, amidst it all, I knew I had the unwavering support of my partner and family to lean on during this life-changing period. Or so I thought. Fast forwar ..read more

Hello there! As someone living with dyspraxia, a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting my coordination and sensory processing, I often find that my symptoms become more pronounced during the hot summer months. I want to share my experiences and shed some light on how dyspraxia can be impacted by the heat and overstimulation that often accompanies this time of year.       While most individuals eagerly embrace the warmer season, for me, the intense summer heat can be overwhelming. One aspect of dyspraxia that becomes more apparent during this time is sensory overload. Normally ..read more

Inclusive and unbiased online spaces Online communities have become an integral part of our daily lives, providing platforms for people to connect, share experiences, and seek support. However, in order to foster inclusive environments, it is crucial that these communities embrace and accept neurodivergent individuals, including those who may not possess an official diagnosis but identify themselves as such. This article aims to shed light on the importance of welcoming self-diagnosed neurodivergent individuals into online communities, recognizing that a formal diagnosis is often a privilege t ..read more

As the warmth of summer fades away and nature prepares for a new phase, the transition from summer to autumn brings forth a whirlwind of changes. With the shift in seasons, our mental health can be subtly influenced, which may leave some feeling unsettled or affected emotionally. To navigate these changes and maintain a sense of well-being, it is essential to understand how this transition can impact our mental health and equip ourselves with effective coping strategies. This article aims to shed light on the potential effects of the change of seasons from summer to autumn on mental health and ..read more

The autism community is mourning the recent loss of a true pioneer, Donald Triplett, who was not only the first person ever diagnosed with autism but also made significant contributions to advancing our understanding of this complex condition. His passing has left a void in the autism community, and it is a sombre moment to reflect on his life and the remarkable impact he had.     Donald Gray Triplett was born on September 8, 1933, in Forest, Mississippi. From a young age, it was evident that Donald was different compared to other children. His parents, Beamon and Mary Triplett, not ..read more

Verbal dyspraxia impacts on accessing mental health services for both men and women causes challenges. Women are up to 82% more likely to be mis/undiagnosed putting women at a greater risk of mental health issues.   Developmental coordination disorder, commonly known as dyspraxia, is a neurological disorder that affects the ability to plan and coordinate physical movements. While both men and women are affected by dyspraxia, there is a growing concern about the challenges faced by dyspraxic women in accessing mental health services. This article will explore the difficulties dyspraxic wom ..read more

For some dyspraxic men, struggling with sports and coordination can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and low self-esteem. This can contribute to a negative self-image and feelings of inadequacy, which can have a significant impact on mental health due to gendered social pressures.     Furthermore, men who struggle with sports and coordination (whether dyspraxia related or not) may be more likely to avoid physical activity as a result, which can lead to a range of associated health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. These health issues can also impact menta ..read more