Dyspraxia

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

• Movement Matters 
• Dyspraxia Foundation website
• A handbook for embracing neurodiversity in the creative industries "Creative Differences"

The contents of this page was provided by Tristan Hunt.