Press Release: �I�m not naughty � I�m Dyspraxic�
Thousands of children and adults living with the condition � dyspraxia (1)� are facing a future of being misunderstood and unfairly labelled, according to the results of a new survey, launched today (Monday 24 September, Dyspraxia Awareness Week).
Around three quarters (74%) of people questioned in the nationwide poll (2) - commissioned by the Dyspraxia Foundation which this year marks its 20th anniversary - admitted that they thought behavioural, social and learning problems (common to conditions such as dyspraxia, Aspergers or ADHD) were simply an excuse for naughty or disruptive children.
Just under half (49%) of the respondents said that they had heard of dyspraxia � but when questioned further, less than a third (31%) said that they actually knew or understood what the condition was and how the daily lives of sufferers are (whether at home, school or in the workplace).
Sometimes unkindly referred to as �clumsy child� syndrome, developmental dyspraxia is an impairment of the organisation of movement �which can lead to problems with co-ordination and coping with the simple day-to-day tasks many of us take for granted.
Frequently falling over, difficulty walking up and down stairs, poor at dressing, no spatial awareness, problems forming relationships and prone to bullying � these are all familiar symptoms for those affected.
Dyspraxia is thought to affect up to six per cent of the population and up to two per cent severely. Males are four times more likely to be affected than females. Dyspraxia sometimes runs in families � and anecdotal research suggests it is likely that there is one child affected in every class of 30 children.
Theresa Hart, a trustee of the Dyspraxia Foundation and mother of a dyspraxic son, says; �Dyspraxia is a misunderstood and often misdiagnosed condition. Despite displaying what I now know to be many of the classic signs, we had to fight to get a clear diagnosis for our son, now eight years old. However, once we knew what we were facing, could we start taking positive steps to help make life easier for him and to ensure we were doing all we could to support him help at school, in future relationships and, one day, in the workplace.
She adds; �There is no cure for dyspraxia but there are many coping techniques to help make life easier for sufferers and their families. But more importantly, we need to educate the public and teachers and bring home the message that people with dyspraxia are not difficult and stupid � just different and special�
The survey highlighted the fact that people from the AB social class (traditionally more affluent) appear to be most aware of the issue, with 59% saying they had heard of the condition. This level of awareness fell to just 37% among the DE social class.
There is also a significant disparity with men and women�s understanding of the condition � less than a quarter (24%) of men say they know what dyspraxia is, compared to more than a third (37%) of women.
For the majority of those with the condition, there is no known cause. Current research suggests that it is due to an immaturity of neurone development in the brain rather than to brain damage. People with dyspraxia have no clinical neurological abnormality to explain their condition.
As part of the campaign, the Dyspraxia Foundation has produced a range of materials for teachers and SENCOs (3) to help education professionals recognise the condition and take steps to ensure that young people are properly diagnosed and given the appropriate support needed.
Cathy Shuter, a SENCO at a primary school in Kent, says; �Dyspraxia is perhaps one of the lesser known �syndromes�, which means that some children won�t be diagnosed until they reach school age. However, with a positive approach to teaching those who might be displaying some of the classic signs, there is so much we can do to improve their motor skills, boost their self esteem and help them lead as normal a life as possible.�
�There is a danger that a child may start off their school life labelled as �clumsy� but with careful management and understanding we can really start to see progress. Awareness and understanding are both key to taking away the stigma of dyspraxia and other related syndromes - and early diagnosis is vital.�
ENDS
For more media / survey information, to set up an interview with a patient case study or an expert, please call Jo Hudson or Tracey Thompson on 020 8786 3860 / 0770 948 7959 [email protected]
Note to editors:
(1) Developmental dyspraxia is an impairment or immaturity of the organisation of movement. It is an immaturity in the way that the brain processes information, which results in messages not being properly or fully transmitted. The term dyspraxia comes from the word praxis, which means 'doing, acting'
(2) ICM interviewed a random sample of 1006 adults aged 18+ from the telephone omnibus between 4-5 July 2007. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk
(3) Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinators