By Beds SU
Friday, 13 October 2023
Dyspraxia is a condition that affects childhood and adulthood. But what is it?
Here we’ll go over just that, support available and what we can do to best accommodate those with it.
WHAT IS DYSPRAXIA?
According to the NHS Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), also known as Dyspraxia, is a condition that affects physical activity such as movement and coordination.
Students with dyspraxia might:
• Appear to move more awkwardly than others
• Have poor spatial awareness leading to more trips and bumps
• Have difficulty learning new movements for new tasks
• Struggle organising their thoughts and work
Dyspraxia can be both recognised during childhood or later in adulthood.
WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?
If you suspect that you may be showing traits of Dyspraxia then you can email the Health and Well-being Team (HWBT). HWBT can also advise you on how to access a diagnoses of the condition through your GP.
For students who are already diagnosed with Dyspraxia, the university can provide a Learning and Teaching Support Agreement (LTSA). An LTSA outlines support a student will receive during their studies. This can include information for your lecturers to support you, extra time during exams, the option to record lectures and more. Each agreement will vary depending your condition.
The HWBT can also assist you with applying for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) if eligible. DSA can provide technology and software to assist students with their Specific Learning Difficulties such as Dyspraxia, specialist one to one study skills support and other forms of support. This again depends on your condition.
For further information please see the Student Support page.
There’s also external support from charities at the bottom of the article.
WHAT CAN WE DO AS INDIVIDUALS?
There are many ways we can support others with Dyspraxia in our day to day lives. According to Noetic there are a number of ways to support individuals with Dyspraxia including:
• Educate yourself
• Provide practical support
• Listen
• Advocate for accomodations
You can read their advice in full here.
You can become more informed about Dyspraxia using the external links below.
EXTERNAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE
• Dyspraxia Foundation – The Dyspraxia Foundation is a country wide charity providing information and support to individuals and families affected by dyspraxia
•Movement Matters – Movement Matters is committed to sharing research findings on DCD/Dyspraxia in an accessible format for everyone
• Dyspraxic Me – London based Dyspraxia charity that meets monthly and take part in activities together