My Dyspraxic Strengths

I was diagnosed with dyspraxia and disgraphia this time last year, at which time I was in my third year of an English literature degree. It was both a relief and a shock but ultimately it is just part of who I am. I identify with everything I read in your messages and have tons of my own idiosyncrasies and a long list of things I struggle with or have no ability to do. Although in joining this group I was hoping to find people who would understand these difficulties I was disappointed in everyone's emphasis on the negative aspects of dyspraxia, so I would like to tell you the positives that I feel I get from dyspraxia in the hope that some of you may identify with me.

When I first found out I had dyspraxia I was annoyed as I thought that it was a disability that would prove to limit my natural abilities and talents, however, the more research I did the more I realised that my strengths were a direct result of dyspraxia. The psychologist who assessed me said I had one of the highest verbal IQ's he had ever seen. In my initial despondency, this was the fact that I clung to as I tried reassure myself. But it is true, I have always had the highest reading age out of my school classes and Iv always found great comfort in reading, especially in the idea that we can communicate through literature, so that part of dyspraxia really wasn't that bad, was it?

I am a naturally creative person. I was always an arty kid and I thoroughly enjoy artistic expression. The more I looked into dyspraxia the more I realise this was a common feature of all ND thinkers. Van Gough, Picasso, Mozart, Beethoven, Jane Austin, Emily Dickenson are all believed to have had some form of ND, and from personally studying literature I can tell you there are many more who read as if they do. So that's certainly not a bad thing. Being creative means I am an excellent problem solver, I find it very easy to see other perspectives which is a massive benefit to many areas of my life and I love that my creativity allows me to back up my flair for the unconventional. I hope this is a positive that we can all enjoy.

Finally the greatest positive that I take from dyspraxia is probably the thing that caused me that greatest difficulty growing up. I'm terribly over sensitive. I know that sound like a strange positive and I can tell you it has caused me great pain at times. But it is very simple, if I am sensitive enough to hurt then I am also sensitive enough to sense others hurt, and to understand and help where I can. I am very perceptive and can often pick up on things that others miss, I can see when people need support and I can make a difference to their day. I am currently working at a residential school while I take a year out of uni. The kids we take in are some of the most damaged and difficult in the country and I have excellent relationships with most of them. Even with those who don't like me I am able to work with as I can sense when to give them space and they trust me because of this. One of my favourite girls told me that I was a great member of staff and when I asked her why I was good she said that it was because I'm a good listener and that she feels like she can talk to me about anything. I would choose that compliment over normality any day, despite the fact that it made me ball my eyes out in public!

I hope that this message is not too long for every one! As my attention span is my biggest problem I understand if this is too convoluted for some of you. I assure you all that dyspraxia poses plenty of difficulties for me as well, and I'm sure it will continue to, but ultimately these difficulties are in areas that I do not consider to be of great importance. Who cares if I walk into doors and can't sit through a two hour lecture? The strengths that dyspraxia provides me with are an intrinsic part of who I am. So please, if you've read this far, join me in celebrating the positives that we can find in having dyspraxia. I wouldn't change it for the world.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Dyspraxia

23/12/05