Developmental Dyspraxia

[bobtob]

Hi Everyone,
I havent been here for a while but once again am falling back on the support of you all at this difficult time! Thankyou for listening.
My son, aged 4.7 has just been diagnosed with developmental dyspraxia, he has always been a tricky customer but there was nothing i could put my finger on, since he started kindy his difficulties have become more apparent and so i took him to an Occupational Therepist and here we are with a scary name and some frightening info that i have found on the internet.
We are due to go back to the therepist next week to start regular sessions but as i was in shock or something at the time i didnt ask any of the questions that i have now. Like how will this effect his future? school life? social life? are there various degrees of Dyspraxia? I have read about the signs at various web sites and am confused as he has a few but by no means all of them but it does describe alot of his characteristics.
I am just wondering if anyone can help with any of these questions or has any experience with dyspraxia.
Thanks again

[suemp]

my son was born with low muscle tone and thru tests they could not find out what was wrong and said they would hope to know by the time he reaches school age. he is now in pre school and after readin your post i looked up dyspraxia and it fits my son to a t. maybe i should look into it more. thanks for bringin it to my attention.the main point being that my son is totally unaware how to behave in public and around others. does your son see a paediatrition? while they can be a little expensive (my sons was nearly 200 a visit) they are good for offering answers to your questions. my son is having trouble socialising at school and it is hard to watch but i try to keep ontop of it by regular contact with his teachers. they understand he needs a bit of help and are really great. as for the future, wish i knew. watch what your son enjoys, is good at and focus on those things.
everyone on this foum section understands the process of beiing told theres something not quite right with their child and its terrible and scary time. im sure we all offer you big:hugs:
sue

[Maghan]

Hi girls, you may find some information and people with some similar problems in the "verbal dyspraxia" thread. Have a read of it. Whilst my son's speech disorder is different to dyspraxia, there are a few mums who have posted on that thread with similar difficulties to yours.

[bobtob]

Thankyou for your replies, I have read through the other dyspraxia thread and am encouraged by all your positive posts. I am looking forward to starting our regular sessions with the OT, i have a list of questions ready for her, Im not sure if i should be looking at other help but am trying to take it one step at a time.
I am hoping that now i have a diagnosis for Bob his Kindy teacher will be a bit more sympathetic rather than frustrated which is how she has come across so far, I shall be watching closely, I know she is a busy lady but quite honestly her attitude so far has been quite harsh.
Thanks again, and thanks for listening to my ramblings!

[Maghan]

Bobtob, if this kindy teacher is too busy and harsh, seriously consider moving your son to somewhere sympathetic and less rushed. Honestly your son needs a positive environment or it will not aid his social development, it may send him more into his shell.

[pegasus]

Hi bobtob

I do normally steer clear of these threads as I don't want to overstep the bounds of what treatment you are receiving and recommendations that have been made based on the therapist who has met and helped diagnose your child. That was probably an odd intro, but I'm an OT from WA too. (No, I'm not in Rockingham - I saw that's where you are), and I only work part time while looking after my little boy and awaiting the birth of my little girl!).

I'm quite happy to chat to you about some of the things you might expect from OT, and answer any questions you have which you're not sure about asking your therapist.

Please feel free to pm me at anytime. I've had about 10 or so years experience working with kids with diagnoses such as DD.

Hope you're feeling less overwhelmed at the moment, but would be happy to chat if you feel like it.

Cheers.