FOREWORD
The authors of this website had two reasons for researching this subject. David Maciejewski has a diagnosis of Apraxia of Speech and wanted to raise awareness of the disorder and highlight the capabilities of those diagnosed. John Hassett has a background in Special Education and wanted to have a greater understanding of a disorder with which he was not familiar. As Occupational Therapy Assistant students this is a diagnosis they may come across in a pediatric field work placement.
The purpose of this website was to use the experiences of an individual with dyspraxia, as well as in depth research to provide information for parents of children who are moving into, or already attend middle school. This website highlights how dyspraxia can affect the everyday life of a child. This disability can affect so many different skills important to a child to be successful in school and life in general. The activities and services included will be very helpful in assisting children to be successful.
It is important to not underestimate a child with dyspraxia. Children will compensate naturally for their deficits, as they learn what works best for them. They will be able to overcome so many obstacles that stand in their way and accomplish them. Just because they have a diagnosis, it does not mean they cannot achieve regular goals, they may just need more time, or do things slightly different to their peers.
Tests and assessments may show average or poor intelligence in a certain area, but children with dyspraxia may have more intelligence in other areas. Tests and assessments are useful in that weaknesses are highlighted and give the children goals to work towards. It is important to understand that dyspraxia is not all of the child’s life but just a small part, and with work and commitment from themselves and their family they will be able to overcome it and be successful. A child with dyspraxia does not always feel different as their disability and the barriers created are normal to them. Children with dyspraxia will have their ups and downs they just need encouragement and support. It is amazing what a difference support will make.
David was told at a young age that he would not make it through high school because of his disability. Needless to say he did, and he made it through college. This degree is his second time around. During one particular assessment when he about 3 years old, David was asked to say airplane, he could not. To compensate for this he pointed to the sky because he lives near the airport and that is where he seen the planes. In the assessment this was not accepted. It did highlight a weakness, but it did not take into account his ability to compensate for this weakness. Assessments are black and white, often there is only one correct answer. David’s weaknesses were deemed to be in construction, fine motor skills and organization
David like other children with dyspraxia was able to overcome his struggles and succeed in school. He developed ways to overcome his weaknesses. Through these experiences he felt that he came out stronger and better for them. At times children with dyspraxia may wonder why they have this disorder, and think if they will ever be successful. There may be days when they wish things would just come to them easier. Like David other children with dyspraxia will realize they are not alone. According to Zwicker, Harris, and Klassen (2012) “Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia) is one of the most common disorders affecting school-aged children.” Children do overcome dyspraxia, it takes a lot of hard work on their part (often working far harder than others for the same results) and great support from teachers, therapists, and most importantly family and friends.
Overall dyspraxia can be frustrating for the child but they are able to deal with it and perform their daily activities effectively on a regular basis. It is important that the child, teacher, and parents are on the same page, and communication lines are open so everybody knows what is going on. It is a team effort to figure out what is the best for the child, and they have to be fully involved in making the decisions.
Dyspraxia can be a scary thing and a lot of questions may be going through your child’s head but, it is important to realize that nothing is impossible!!
The purpose of this website was to use the experiences of an individual with dyspraxia, as well as in depth research to provide information for parents of children who are moving into, or already attend middle school. This website highlights how dyspraxia can affect the everyday life of a child. This disability can affect so many different skills important to a child to be successful in school and life in general. The activities and services included will be very helpful in assisting children to be successful.
It is important to not underestimate a child with dyspraxia. Children will compensate naturally for their deficits, as they learn what works best for them. They will be able to overcome so many obstacles that stand in their way and accomplish them. Just because they have a diagnosis, it does not mean they cannot achieve regular goals, they may just need more time, or do things slightly different to their peers.
Tests and assessments may show average or poor intelligence in a certain area, but children with dyspraxia may have more intelligence in other areas. Tests and assessments are useful in that weaknesses are highlighted and give the children goals to work towards. It is important to understand that dyspraxia is not all of the child’s life but just a small part, and with work and commitment from themselves and their family they will be able to overcome it and be successful. A child with dyspraxia does not always feel different as their disability and the barriers created are normal to them. Children with dyspraxia will have their ups and downs they just need encouragement and support. It is amazing what a difference support will make.
David was told at a young age that he would not make it through high school because of his disability. Needless to say he did, and he made it through college. This degree is his second time around. During one particular assessment when he about 3 years old, David was asked to say airplane, he could not. To compensate for this he pointed to the sky because he lives near the airport and that is where he seen the planes. In the assessment this was not accepted. It did highlight a weakness, but it did not take into account his ability to compensate for this weakness. Assessments are black and white, often there is only one correct answer. David’s weaknesses were deemed to be in construction, fine motor skills and organization
David like other children with dyspraxia was able to overcome his struggles and succeed in school. He developed ways to overcome his weaknesses. Through these experiences he felt that he came out stronger and better for them. At times children with dyspraxia may wonder why they have this disorder, and think if they will ever be successful. There may be days when they wish things would just come to them easier. Like David other children with dyspraxia will realize they are not alone. According to Zwicker, Harris, and Klassen (2012) “Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia) is one of the most common disorders affecting school-aged children.” Children do overcome dyspraxia, it takes a lot of hard work on their part (often working far harder than others for the same results) and great support from teachers, therapists, and most importantly family and friends.
Overall dyspraxia can be frustrating for the child but they are able to deal with it and perform their daily activities effectively on a regular basis. It is important that the child, teacher, and parents are on the same page, and communication lines are open so everybody knows what is going on. It is a team effort to figure out what is the best for the child, and they have to be fully involved in making the decisions.
Dyspraxia can be a scary thing and a lot of questions may be going through your child’s head but, it is important to realize that nothing is impossible!!