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Dyspraxia

What is dyspraxia, and how to support people with dyspraxia at work.

Last updated: 02 October 2023

What is dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia is a neurological developmental condition that affects a person's ability to plan and coordinate movements.

People with dyspraxia may struggle with tasks requiring coordination and movement planning, such as writing, tying shoelaces, or riding a bike.

Individuals with dyspraxia may have difficulty with gross motor skills, such as running, jumping, and balancing, as well as fine motor skills, such as handwriting and manipulating small objects. They may also have difficulty with spatial awareness, organization, and time management. Dyspraxia can also impact speech and language development, social skills, and academic performance.

How to support colleagues with dyspraxia

Here are ten tips you can use to support a colleague with dyspraxia:

  1. Avoid handwritten tasks and use a computer when possible for written work.
  2. Encourage your colleague to focus on accuracy first, and then grow speed once the task has been achieved. Reducing the need to rush can help reduce their anxiety and build confidence.
  3. Be patient as dyspraxia can make it difficult for your colleague to perform certain tasks, so be patient and allow them extra time to complete their work.
  4. Encourage your colleague to use a calendar, diary or app to improve their organisation.
  5. Provide clear and concise instructions for tasks and projects. Use bullet points, numbered lists, or voice recordings to make instructions easier to follow.
  6. Break tasks into smaller steps that are more manageable. Doing this can help your colleague focus on one task at a time and reduce their anxiety.
  7. Be understanding as dyspraxia can be frustrating for your colleague, so it's important to be understanding and supportive.
  8. Use visual aids such as diagrams or flowcharts, to help your colleague understand complex concepts or tasks.
  9. Offer support and guidance when needed. Encourage your colleague to ask questions and offer to help when they need it.
  10. Use templates whenever possible provide information or report templates for your colleague to use, especially for repetitive work. 

Further resources on dyspraxia

The contents of this page was provided by Tristan Hunt.

About the author

Tristan HuntTristan Hunt is a renowned Music Industry ADHD Coach, working with Grammy-nominated, Mobo & Brit Award-winning artists and top brands like Pioneer DJ, BIMM, and Sony Music UK. A former AFEM Regional Manager, Tristan's two decades in the music industry and his personal experience with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia make him a trusted coach for artists and professionals with ADHD.

Certified as a Transformational Coach with specialized ADHD training, he is part of Sony Music UK’s coaching pool. He also has associations with industry giants like Lateral Mgmt and Infectious PR. His contributions to the Association For Electronic Music (AFEM) have been significant, from founding its Mental Health Working Group to serving on its Executive Board.

A recognized voice on ADHD and mental health in music, Tristan has spoken at global conferences like ADE and IMS and has been spotlighted in Billboard, DJ Mag, and the BBC. He holds degrees from Southampton and Birkbeck Universities, a coaching diploma from Animas, UK, and ADHD coach training from ADDCA, USA. Offstage, Tristan occasionally showcases his skills as a DJ.

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