As we have explored over the previous 3 episodes of The Dyspraxic Social Worker, our knowledge about neurodiversity is increasing and this knowledge and information is slowly reaching more people. However, lots of people are unaware of the symptoms and prevalence of Dyspraxia. Because of this, there are lots of common misconceptions. So today, I am going to dispel some of the commonly perpetuated myths about Dyspraxia.
Myth #1: Dyspraxia is rare
When I have discussed my dyspraxia diagnosis to a friend, manager or colleague, they often tell me they thought it was rare as they've never met anyone who is dyspraxic. This is a very common misconception and can be the most harmful, as it leads neurotypical people to lack mindfulness about the adaptions needed to make the workplace or social interactions accessible for neurodivergent colleagues.
As discussed in the Dyspraxic Social Worker, about 6-10% of the population have some features of dyspraxia - which is as many as 3.3 million people in the UK.
Like many neurodiverse conditions, in popular media, dyspraxia does not have a profile and receives little public recognition. Despite celebrities like singer Florence Welch, actor Daniel Radcliffe and photographer David Bailey being dyspraxic. The absence of conversation can lead to the lack of societal awearness discussed.
Dyspraxia also goes undiagnosed and unrecognised because of some of the misconceptions that will be discussed below.
Myth #2: People with dyspraxia are just clumsy.
Dyspraxic children and adults are often observed as being 'clumsy' or uncoordinated. At the most basic level, this is an accurate observation of some dyspraxic people perception.
However, this observation - and now common association - oversimplifies dyspraxia and stumps further curiosity or understanding of a child or adults processing. Research has taught us that the neural messaging and processing difference affect people in a number of different ways.
Because of differences in neural messaging which impact a person's gross motor skills, therefore dyspraxic people can struggle with special awareness, walking, or running. As well as finding it difficult to control our reactions to sensory input, both of which make our execution of everyday tasks look clumsy or uncoordinated. But our concentration, memory, organisation and planning (see episode 1 for a more comprehensive exploration) are also impacted by our neurodiversity.
Therefore, in order to support a dyspraxic person it is important to have a holistic understanding of neurodiversity to support them (or fight to change) neurotypical norms and structures.
Myth #3: you can cure dyspraxia.
Dyspraxia is a life-long neurological difference, and as such, cannot be ‘cured’. Neither should it be ‘cured’, neurodiversity is the celebration and acceptance that we all think differently. You also cannot ‘grow’ out of dyspraxia. Neurodiversity enables us to challenge conventional thinking, try new ways of doing things, and break neurotypical norms.
Myth #4: People with dyspraxia tend to have low intelligence.
This age-old misconception is commonly associated with neurodiversity- often because of naivety and a lack of knowledge.
It is just not true.
There is no connection between dyspraxia and intelligence. Dyspraxia is a difference in the way our brain sends messages and processes sensory information.
Therefore, we may struggle with fine and gross motor skills, especially when compared to our neurotypical peers. But our intelligence is not limited. If anything, the neurological difference can make us great communicators, creative and think outside the box.
Myth #5: Dyslexia and Dyspraxia are the same
Despite sounding very similar - and 52% of people with dyslexia also have symptoms of dyspraxia -dyslexia and dyspraxia are separate neurological differences and impact people in very different ways.
Dyslexia describes neurological differences which can make it difficult for a person to learn to read, write and spell, and can impact a person's organisation and oral skills. Whereas, dyspraxia impact a person's sensory processing, neural messaging, and fine and gross motor coordination.
Check out The Dyslexic Social Worker and The Dyslexic Advantage series to find out more about dyslexia.
Thank you for reading this latest episode! Check in next week for some 'self-help' tips for navigating a neurotypical workplace.
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