Hi, I’m Mo. I trained to be an engineer and have been involved in a range of political and civic activities. I love gardening, traveling, and watching sports and any form of art.
When did you become aware that there was something unique about you or your child? What did you notice?
A few years ago, I saw a Reddit post in a home improvement community where someone posted "dyspraxia strikes again" after placing an object in the wrong rotation. Eureka! I used to call it "spatial dyslexia", so it was nice to have a proper term. Dyspraxia presents itself most clearly when I assemble furniture. I build it backwards, then have to take it apart and rebuild. It takes me 2-3 times longer than most people!
How did you address any challenges you or your child were having at home, school, or work?
I grew up in the 1980s. There were resources for people with dyslexia and unique learning styles, but since I was strong academically, no one thought it was an issue that I couldn't do most things in PE.
Which therapies/approaches were most effective?
I'm nearing 50 and am still learning how to navigate it. My doctors don't understand dyspraxia. Because I have been "successful" professionally, my family and friends think that "it's in my head."
What coping strategies do you find most helpful in your daily life?
Fellow adult dyspraxics who share their stories on social media have been very helpful to accept it. It is nice to be in these supportive communities even if I'm not able to get formal medical support.
What would you like others to understand about Dyspraxia/DCD?
We aren't lazy. We process information differently, so at work, don't think that we are not engaged or don't want to participate in meetings. Instead, appreciate our unique ideas for a solution or a new way of doing things. While we may bump into tables spilling your drinks, we're still pretty fun to be with.
