�Being a teenager is tough, but being a teenager with dyspraxia can be a whole lot more difficult.�
That�s why this year; the Dyspraxia Foundation is holding a national conference on Saturday July 17th, in Birmingham, aimed at inspiring teenagers to discover �Anything is Possible�.
The conference, at Aston University, is funded by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and is open to young people with dyspraxia aged 11-21, accompanied by a parent or carer.
It will explore leisure activities and look at barriers that might prevent teenagers with dyspraxia making the most of clubs, sport and social groups.
Dyspraxia affects about six per cent of the population and affects the organization and co-ordination of movement, thought and sometimes speech. You can�t see dyspraxia and while sufferers can be very clever, everyday activities like tying shoes laces, riding a bike, taking a telephone message and even making a sandwich can be difficult.
Awareness of the condition is low and difficulties are often misinterpreted as laziness or naughtiness. People with dyspraxia can suffer low self-esteem, have difficulties making friends and are vulnerable to bullying. Without the right sort of help and support these teenagers are at increased risk of mental ill-health, social isolation and under achievement, academically and in the workplace.
Typically activities like football, cycling and other youth groups may be a struggle for people with dyspraxia however with the right sort of instructor martial arts, swimming and rock climbing can be very successful and enjoyable.
Organised by a group of older teenagers and young adults, speakers on the day include Ken Hames, who following an impressive 25 year military career has created and presented a whole host of documentaries for television including leading expeditions of disabled youngsters on the ground breaking �Beyond Boundaries� series for BBC TV. Ken motivates and inspires people into making life changing journeys and achieving the seemingly impossible against all odds. The day will also include a number of young speakers who will share their experience of living with dyspraxia, including entrepreneur Louis Barnett who set up his own chocolate factory at the age of 15 and Liam Plumridge who trekked across the Andes.
Fees for the event are £10 (per young person with a parent/carer) and booking forms are available from the Dyspraxia Foundation, 8 West Alley, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1EG. Tel 01462 455016 or are available to download from the website www.dyspraxiafoundation.org