Presentation5

LIFESTYLE

COPING WITH "THE HIDDEN DISABILITY"

When a baby is born it carries a number of primitive reflexes. In the first year or so of life the Neuro-Typical brain matures and the reflexes modify themselves. Dyspraxics retain responses which in Neuro-Typicals would have disappeared during the first year or so of life. Known as Organic Brain Dysfunction, this typically includes balance and co-ordination problems. It can also leave one with a baby-like, animal-like extra sensitivity to various stimuli such as the sounds of fireworks, popping balloons etc. referred to in the checklist below.

It can also be hard filtering out background noise to concentrate on specific aural information. Likewise, having poor eye muscle co-ordination results in a lack of ability to ignore movement on the edge of the visual field. Perhaps this is why people speaking directly to dyspraxics often feel that the dyspraxic person isn’t fully “there” and is somehow distracted. This presents a difficulty in personal relationships that we’re sure every dyspraxic or person close to a dyspraxic can relate to. Both aurally and visually, a dyspraxic person is indeed subject to more distractions putting additional stressful strain on the central nervous system than a Neuro-Typical.

It’s not just a lack of possessing the Krypton Factor. Dyspraxics are constantly reminded when watching reality that they are bereft of the practical skills necessary to survive as a castaway. Since the earliest “stick-backed plastic” days of Blue Peter, dyspraxic children and adolescents in the UK have been disenfranchised through lack of co-ordination from making, baking and taking part in activities other children and adolescents could easily accomplish. The Generation Game, too, placed great store on co-ordinational competence. The laughs came hard when a contestant couldn’t pass muster.

When trying on clothes in a high street shop, we find it hard to remember where we took the garments, how they were arranged on the hanger and don’t have the co-ordination necessary to replace them as we found them. One of the problems caused by dyspraxia’s low profile is that our inability can be misinterpreted as carelessness, lack of respect or arrogance. Most dyspraxics would love to avoid leaving a trail of strewn clothes, messy personal effects and botched attempts at performing practical tasks behind them.

At school dyspraxics - generally male rather than female by a ratio of three to one -tend to stand out as uncoordinated and awkward as they enter their teens. In earlier years it’s difficult to measure the progress of possibly dyspraxic children against normal maturity in children - the cerebellum being naturally less developed in young adults. As in adulthood, dyspraxia tends to be a hidden handicap. Children with dyspraxia often appear to be no different from their peers, until new skills are tried or known ones taken out of context, when difficulties may become apparent. In many affected children, dyspraxia occurs with or as part of other neurological conditions so that defining common symptoms may be confusing. As the child grows older and begins to attempt to participate in sports and sports activities, differences become apparent. It’s now seventy years since the term Congenital Maladroitness was coined to describe “clumsy child syndrome”. Anecdotal evidence suggest that usually one sport a dyspraxic child or adolescent tend to show aptitude for is table tennis. Likewise bowling, martial arts, T’ai Chi and yoga, all of which can improve co-ordination. Being able to relate to your peers is a very important part of growing up, but many dyspraxics become singled out from their peers because they lack the coordination, dexterity and perception to participate in sports and become be stuck on the sidelines. Out of school where co-ordination difficulties are not so obvious, one can find oneself more figuratively sidelined but it is SO hard to make people understand. Convincing people one lacks simple motor skills is always hard until problems arise opening or closing blinds, participating in a leisure activity roller skating, or for the ligyrophobic dyspraxic, becoming embarrassingly startled when a balloon pops. Aspects of the condition appear on a daily basis but because parents, friends, lovers, bosses and colleagues often don’t fully understand what it’s like to be dyspraxic, you can face resentment from them. A situation that is often taken personally by those around the is lack of short term memory. As a young child they will forget papers, pens, and books. It will later manifest itself into social situations because a dyspraxic will have to repeat everything in their mind in order to understand it. They might not be confident at carrying out instructions they have just been given, worried that they don’t have the co-ordination to perform the task or be unsure of the sequence of instructions they've been give or plainly forget a simple message. This is often taken to be a sign of laziness, ignorance or a lack of consideration. It is none of these. Neither is a lack of reciprocity in returning favours such as meals being cooked for them, lifts being given to them by friends and colleagues who drive or DIY, etc. Not being able to or not feeling confident about repaying kindnesses in kind can be very frustrating for dyspraxics.

It might be worthwhile to unravel the symptoms of dyspraxia into two rough groups which could be referred to as Primary & Secondary symptoms. I’d categorise Primary dyspraxic symptoms as inability to perform certain tasks as a direct result of lack of fine motor co-ordination: skating; (for some) bike riding

Secondary dyspraxia: things you possess enough physical co-ordination to tackle but your lack of concentration and your learning difficulties won’t let you accomplish. Here I’m thinking about topics such as cooking – where the mind can wander letting things burn or boil over & performing tasks in a sequence and/or simultaneously can be difficult; office admin tasks; operating a till.

Activities such as driving, operating Venetian blinds or playing a musical instrument may involve elements of both.

Driving in particular is a daunting task for dyspraxics, requiring the ability to steer a car and concentrate while jusging distances, using both hands and feet together and all the while remebering how to carry out a seuence of tasks. On the other hand, social pressures and ork requirements can make it very akward to be a non-driver.

Prospective drivers with co-ordination difficulties are advised to contact The Forum Of Mobility Centres.

Staff at assessment centres across the UK are used to working with people with poor concentration and difficulties with perception and spactial awareness. Some branches of the British School Of Motoring have driving simulations with geared cars which can build confidence before venturing out onto the open road.

By shopping around, you might find a driving instructor with experience in teaching people with disabilities.

Checklist

Not everyone who is dyspraxic has all these symptoms but saying “yes” to most of these questions – listed in no particular order – may indicate you’re “one of us”. We must emphasize that many of these symptoms are common to several constellations of the Neuro-Diverse universe and wouldn't want to attach a shorthand label of dyspraxia without specific assessment or diagnosis. Remember, dyspraxia often co-exists with other Neuro-Diverse conditions.Here's a checklist of symptoms:

1.Do you have co-ordination difficulties? Do you tend to bump into things & trip over?

2.Are you clumsy & awkward of movement? Do you often spill & drop things?

3. Do you find it hard to judge heights & distances?

4. Do you often mix up left & right & find it hard to give directions and, especially, to remember or act on directions you’re given?

5.Did you dread P.E. at school and were always the last to be picked for a team? Do you still find it hard to emulate dance and aerobic steps others pick up easily?

6.Do you find learning to drive difficult or have avoided it altogether?

7.Do you find DIY difficult? Do you have problems with fastening zips, putting on make-up, tying ties etc.?

8. Have teachers or supervisors described you as careless &/or lazy despite your best efforts to keep up?

9. Is your handwriting poor?

10. Do you find proof-reading & checking your work difficult & have problems with spelling and/or organisation? Do you generally operate in a muddled fashion?

11. Are you constantly distracted by background conversations and noises and often lose the thread of conversations?

12. Do you find certain fabrics uncomfortable & find tight fitting clothes very uncomfortable?

13. Do you tend to ”gag” in the dentist’s chair?

14. Do you lack stamina & tire easily?

15. Are you extra sensitive to noise, touch, light & taste – perhaps being especially ticklish or unable to stand loud, sharp noises?

16. Do you keep forgetting & losing things &/or missing appointments?

17. Do you find it hard to wink, whistle, cycle, swim or skate?

An inevitable rejoinder to a checklist such as the one above is “Surely everybody shows some of the characteristics” but with dyspraxia these symptoms tend to come in a cluster – they are not the exception to an otherwise Neuro-Typical brain, they tend to rule our lives and can be more extreme than just, for instance, not liking loud bangs or being occasionally a bit forgetful. It can be tempting, but not necessarily accurate, to assign every Neuro-Diverse symptom under the umbrella of dyspraxia.

Stress, depression and frustration with ourselves are often accompanied by a fear of embarrassment & dyspraxics can experience particular difficulty maintaining relationships & partnerships which the sleeping problems we tend to encounter only exacerbate. Much to the annoyance of those around them, especially partners, many dyspraxics feel they need help with the following household tasks: roning; putting on duvet covers; changing vacuum cleaner bags; cleaning windows; operating Venetian blinds; DIY; using tin openers; arranging furniture in house to minimise knocking into things and spillage; using a corkscrew ; opening and closing blinds ; folding clothes and packing; opening plastic bags ; loading supermarket trolleys

TREATMENT: At present there is no pharmalogical treatment for dyspraxia. Some people maintain that they're helped by taking supplements of fish-oil, of which an increasing number is on the market. Organisations such as the now-defunct DORE have also claimed to be able to increase co-ordination abilities through programmes of specific physical exercise.

IMPROVING OUR LIFESTYLE: Getting Fit & Physical Play: This is the area were dyspraxic children sometimes first realize that their dyspraxia is not as hidden as they thought. When you are young you like to be able to relate to your peers, but many dyspraxics become singled out from their peers because they lack the coordination, dexterity and perception to participate in sports. However, there are certain sports that dyspraxics can not only participate in, but will also help improve coordination (i.e. bowling, martial arts, T'ai chi and yoga).

Good intentions can fall by the wayside especially easily for dyspraxics as the rush to complete several tasks at once can mean you run out of time to go to the gym. It is worth the effort, though, not just for the general sense of well-being & physical confidence that can come from exercise but also because many dyspraxics have low muscle tone which can be improved by weight training. An initial consultation at a gym is a good opportunity to discuss dyspraxia and to let the instructor know that we may be limited in certain exercises or may take time to grasp how to perform them. It’s important that we’re shown how to use the equipment in a way that we can fully comprehend and immediately put into action. Most gym instructors will be more than willing to take the time to do this. Pilates can also have beneficial effects on co-ordination and Scottish Dyspraxion would be keen to hear from anyone who feels they’ve benefited from these or other forms of physical exercise.

Movement therapies:

Movement therapies are based on the theory that the body influences the mind as much as the mind influences the body and perhaps at some deeper level. The best-known techniques are Rolfing, founded by Ida Rolf; Hellerwork from Joseph Heller; and the most popular, Feldenkrais, worked out by the physicist Mosche Feldenkrais. They all help with co-ordination.

Rolfing movement integration uses a combination of touch and verbal directions to help develop greater awareness of one's vertical alignment and habitual movement patterns. Rolfing rhythms are designed to encourage awareness of the Rolfing principles of ease, length, balance, and harmony with gravity. Dr. Rolf claimed a correlation between muscular tension and pent up emotions. Her method of massage is based on the theory that physical and emotional health depend on parts of the body being properly aligned -head, ankles, hips, thorax, pelvis, knees, shoulders, ears, etc - in just the right way so that gravity enhances personal energy and leads to a healthy body and a positive emotional state.

Feldenkrais promotes relief from tension and muscular pain, easier and fuller breathing; greater relaxation, everyday activities, increased vitality and well-being

The movement therapy form of the Feldenkrais method, consists of specific structured movement experiences taught as a group lesson. These lessons reeducate the brain without tiring the muscles. Most lessons are done lying down on the floor or sitting. Moshe Feldenkrais designed the lessons to "improve ability... turn the impossible into the possible, the difficult into the easy, and the easy into the pleasant."

Laban movement analysis (LMA), is a comprehensive system for discriminating, describing, analyzing, and categorizing movements. Certified movement analysts can "observe recurring patterns, note movement preferences, asses physical blocks and dysfunctional movement patterns, and the suggest new movement patterns."

Developing from LMA, Bartenieff fundamentals (BF) uses specific exercises that are practiced on the floor, sitting, or standing to utilise the deeper muscles of the body and enable a greater range of movement.

Neurokinetics teaches ways of moving with greater ease throughout every day activities. These movement patterns can also be used to release tension in the body.

Rosen method movement consists of simple movement exercises done to music in a group setting. Through gentle swinging, bouncing, and stretching every joint in the body experiences a full range of movement. The movements help to increase balance and rhythm and create more space for effortless breathing.

The movement form of Trager psychophysical Integration bodywork, Mentastics, consists of easy swinging, shaking, and stretching movements. These movements, developed by Dr. Milton Trager, create an experience of lightness and freedom in the body, allowing for greater ease in movement. Ideokinesis is another movement approach emphasizing neuromuscular reeducation. It uses imagery to train the nervous system to stimulate the right muscles for the intended movement. If one continues to give the nervous system a clear mental picture of the movement intended, it will automatically select the best way to perform the movement.

Alexander Technique is another functional approach to movement therapy. In this approach a teacher gently uses hands and verbal directions to subtly guide the student through movements such as sitting, standing up, bending and walking. The Alexander technique emphasizes balance in the neck-head relationship. A teacher lightly steers the students head into the proper balance on the tip of the spine while the student is moving in ordinary ways. The student learns to respond to movement demands with the whole body, in a light integrated way. This approach to movement is particularly popular with actors and other performers.

Pilates consists of over 500 exercises done on the floor or primarily with customized exercise equipment. The exercises combine sensory awareness and physical training. Students learn to move from a stable, central core. The exercises promote strength, flexibility, and balance. Pilates training is increasingly available in sports medicine clinics, fitness centers, dance schools, spas, and physical therapy offices.

Body-mind centering (BMC), developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, is a comprehensive educational and therapeutic approach to movement. BMC practitioners use movement, touch, guided imagery, developmental repatterning, dialogue, music, large balls, and other props in an individual session to meet the needs of each person. BMC encourages people to develop a sensate awareness and experience of the ligaments, nerves, muscles, skin, fluids, organs, glands, fat, and fascia that make up one's body. It has been effective in preventing and rehabilitating from chronic injuries and in improving neuromuscular response in children with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders.

People with acute injuries and chronic physical and mental conditions need to be careful when choosing a form of movement therapy. It is best to consult with a knowledgeable physician, physical therapist, or mental health therapist.

Getting organised: Using timers will help with cooking procedures and reminders for social events. Writing instructions on post-it notes will also help to convert short term memories to long term memories as well as keep you more focused. Just as many dyspraxics have trouble holding utensils, many also struggle with dressing because of all the loops and strings and buttons. It is generally a good idea to purchase clothes that are easy to manipulate, such things with zippers and velcro. Feeding is also a challenge because of determining the distance from cutlery to the mouth, the coordination of using a knife and fork, and even the posture needed to sit at a table.

Getting Sociable: When children realize that they are socially limited compared to their peers they can frequently develop a sense of humour to mask their frustration. During the teenage years it becomes even more socially awkward. Dyspraxia combined with new hormones can cause teenagers to become loners - a role many are already used to from not being picked for the football team etc, depressed, and anxiety ridden. As you reach adulthood you start to accept that allthough you are different compared to others you must make a stand for yourself.

Getting Involved: Many activities enjoyed by a wide range of Neurotypical people can seem off-limits to Dyspraxics - from ski-ing, to skating, to playing pool.

Here's a few activities, though, that come recommended for folk wired the way we are.

Pottery - therapeutic and creative, pottery helps build co-ordination skills while not requiring co-ordination outwith the scope of many dyspraxic people.

Chess - good for concentration, sequencing skills & organization

Jenga - this game helps fine-motor skills. The aim is to construct a tower out of wooden Jenga blocks & then try to dismantle it without toppling the tower.

Cookery - helps develop concentration & sequencing skills.

Use a timer to stop your mind wandering & burning food.. you could use an electric tin opener & , for maximum ease of use, utensils with rounded, rubber grips.

Drama - physical confidence games such as those that involve falling backwards unsupported into a fellow actor's arms can be difficult, as can remembering where to stand onstage, but many people with dyspraxia display an affinity with the stage.

Team Sports - an unlikely choice, perhaps, but once we finally get picked, people like us can excel in defensive roles where split-second reactions aren't demanded.

Getting the most from your day: Being dyspraxic affects us every day of our lives, often in subtle but significant ways. Everybody loses and misplaces things, for example, but we tend to be past-masters at it. Here's some tips on how to keep on top of daily stuff. We'd love to hear from you if you've found ingenious ways to adjust to the world or make the world adjust you. Keep to a daily routine

Post-It® pads stuck at eye level on doors are useful reminders. Keeping a To Do list on the desktop of your computer is also handy. You can update it & print it off daily. As you go through the day you can score accomplished tasks off the list and add new ones, updating your list on the PC when you're home. If you lose the printout - & it may be an idea not to put anything confidential on the list - you can always refer to your last saved copy. PCs and Macs are tremendous tools for dyspraxics. Laptops are potentially very useful but navigation without the mouse associated with a Mac or a PC can prove very awkward.

If you're sick of constantly rummaging, - always an opportunity to lose stuff - transparent purses and pencil cases let you see the contents easily.

Keep keys and purses on a long chain which clips to clothing. When in the house keep your keys in the inner lock of the front door or find a hook in the kitchen, hallway or bedroom so that you don't get ready to leave at the perfect time to catch your bus or train only to detain yourself for vital minutes trying to find what you've done with your keys.

Links:

INPP (Institute Of Neuro-Physiological Psychology) Bases its approach on the influence of retained primitive reflexes that inhibit the development of movement & learning skills, INPP offers an assessment & home exercise programme to "correct specific reflexes". Located in South Queensferry.

Victoria Biggs: “A wealth of support and information for anyone connected in any way with learning difficulties. Has an online shop selling a range of products designed to make life easier for people with co-ordination disorders”. Amanda Kirby is the Medical Director.

Jessica Kingsley Publishers

publish a host of informative and constructive books about Dyspraxia and other NeuroDiverse conditions.

Diet: among the supplements recommended for dyspraxics are an increased intake of oily fish or take omega 3/ fatty acids supplements such as -

EPA and DHA - found in MOREPA available from

http://www.omegascotland.com

or http://www.healthyandessential.com/shop/

http://www.fabresearch.org

(Note: Trans-fatty acids and hydrogenated fats must be avoided as they block the uptake of Omega 3).

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