Dyspraxia in secondary schools

Introduction. In some cases Dyspraxia may not be diagnosed until a child reaches secondary school. This is because they may only have had minor difficulties and so would have coped or learned to hide them. Secondary School may be too challenging as this level involves organizational Skills. If Dyspraxia has not been diagnosed at this point then low self esteem and/or behavioral difficulties may become evident.
What Should I look for? *Physical Activities such as P.E may be difficult especially activities involving Running, Using equipment or involving hand-eye co-ordination. *Poor body awareness, posture and movements. * Difficulties copying from boards, dictation or following instructions. This is because of short term visual and verbal memory. *Difficulties with writing -Frequently Dyspraxic people will have an awkward pen grip. *Poor organizational skills and they may need help planning essays. *Problems with time and they may need constant reminders. *Phobias, obsessive or immature behavior *Emotional extremes with significant mood swings *poor awareness of danger. *Often Dyspraxic children are loners and have limited social skills.
How to help *Do not make them feel like a failure. Offer lots of encouragement. *Do be aware of difficulties and help them reduce frustrations especially with written work. *Give clear Instructions. Fully explain yourself even if it means stating seemingly obvious things. *Allow access to computers if possible. *Teach them strategies allowing them to help themselves get organized and to remember things. *Do not give too many: Words in dictation, too much text to copy. Do use strategies such as breaking things into simple stages or writing with colored pens. *Encourage a Friendship with someone who can help as their helper and their guide. *Allow tasks to be completed before moving on. * In P.E gain advice on the Childs ability- If you can provide a game that can help build up the Childs ability then do so. * Work with parents/teachers/medical professionals as appropriate. Parents will know the child best.
REMEMBER! If the right help and support is given then there is no reason why Dyspraxic children Can Not do well In secondary school.