Embracing Dyspraxia in Everyday Life: the Struggles and Wins
Living with dyspraxia can often mean navigating a world that was not designed with you in mind. From seemingly simple tasks to professional responsibilities, dyspraxia can present unique challenges that require creative solutions and resilience. I have found that being open about my experiences and seeking out tools and strategies that work for me has helped me to flourish.
Take DIY, for example. Due to my fine motor skill challenges, using a manual screwdriver feels like a test of endurance and patience. The solution? An electric screwdriver. It might seem small, but this one adjustment has transformed how I approach home improvement tasks. This experience taught me that having the right tools, literally or metaphorically, can help you succeed despite your difficulties.
In the workplace, things are not always smooth sailing either. Like many neurodivergent people, I have sometimes struggled to feel confident and organised. I started using MindView, a tool for creating mind maps, which has helped me see things more visually. This software helped me prepare for meetings and gave me the structure I needed to approach tasks with clarity and focus. Yet, when I first received training through Access to Work, the support felt generic and did not immediately connect with my specific needs. Only through trial and error did I figure out how to make these tools work for my role as an employment specialist.
The truth is, even with accommodations and tools, living with dyspraxia can still feel exhausting at times. Things that come easily to others, like makeup applications, can feel like an uphill battle. I have joked about the seemingly impossible task of applying eyeliner or putting on false lashes. But these moments also remind you of the resilience and creativity dyspraxia often gives you.
What I have come to realise is that being neurodivergent is not just about struggles. It is about finding strength in your differences. It is about learning to advocate for yourself, to ask for accommodations unapologetically, and to celebrate the unique perspective you bring to the table.
If I could share one piece of advice, it would be this: Do not be afraid to try new things or ask for help. Whether exploring adaptive tools, sharing your story, or learning to laugh at life’s little quirks, there’s strength in every step.
We live in a fast-paced world, but as dyspraxic individuals, we bring a creative, innovative perspective full of possibilities.
Written by Tae Dawodu-Alcide
