Enriching Lives
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What is dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia is a disorder that affects people’s ability to plan and carry out motor skills.
People with dyspraxia have poor coordination. This can affect their ability in physical
education or playing sports.
It can also affect their ability in activities such as doing up and un-doing buttons, tying
shoelaces or handwriting. These are activities which involve fine motor skills - skills that
require the coordination of small muscles in the fingers and hands.
People with dyspraxia can have difficulty in pronouncing words - Daniel’s speech for example
isn’t sometimes as clear as other people’s. Forming the words correctly is something that he
has found both difficult and frustrating. When Daniel was little he would act out the words he
was trying to say so that other people could understand him. He would have been great at
playing charades!
One interesting fact that people may not know is…
He may be a whizz with his spellbinding performances on screen but Harry Potter actor, Daniel
Radcliffe as a child found school a struggle; tasks such as tying shoelaces a challenge and still has
difficulties with handwriting due to having dyspraxia. However after finding that his real talent lies in
acting, he has gone on to become a multi-millionaire showing that discovering what you’re good at
and building on your strengths gives people the opportunity to succeed in life despite the obstacles
they may have faced (Churcher, 2008).
Daniel (Dyspraxia)
Daniel, my brother is a gift. We have lots of fun together playing on the computer and Xbox. One of our favourite games is Minecraft. We enjoy building all sorts of things. Daniel is really creative.
There are lots of things however that Daniel finds more challenging. Daniel has dyspraxia which is another type of specific learning disability. He has had to overcome challenges with activities that involve coordination that many of us simply take for granted. Yet through his creativity and perseverance, he has taught us that having a specific learning difference doesn’t prevent you from being able to offer your gifts and talents to others.
Role-models like Daniel Radcliffe who plays Harry Potter, have shown the world just what people with dyspraxia are able to achieve given the right help and support to overcome their disability.
There are lots of things however that Daniel finds more challenging. Daniel has dyspraxia which is another type of specific learning disability. He has had to overcome challenges with activities that involve coordination that many of us simply take for granted. Yet through his creativity and perseverance, he has taught us that having a specific learning difference doesn’t prevent you from being able to offer your gifts and talents to others.
Role-models like Daniel Radcliffe who plays Harry Potter, have shown the world just what people with dyspraxia are able to achieve given the right help and support to overcome their disability.
How can I help someone with dyspraxia?
Be positive - accept them for who they are;
Encourage them in areas that they find difficult;
Recognise their gifts and talents.
Where can I find out more information about dyspraxia?
The Dyspraxia Support Group of New Zealand - www.dyspraxia.org.nz <http://www.dyspraxia.org.nz>
Photo: Daniel dressed up as Harry Potter for a school Book Fair Parade
