Living With Dyspraxia
Living With Dyspraxia is one of the few books out there aimed at adults with Dyspraxia. Whilst there seem to be many books about children with Dyspraxia for parents and teachers, there is a shocking gap when it comes to adults. This is the gap that Living with Dyspraxia recognizes and aims to fill. Unfortunately this gap in the literature also reflects common views of Dyspraxia, as many people believe that children simply “grow out of it”, and Mary Colley (She/Her), the author, wants to change this myth. This book explores the impact that Dyspraxia can have on the everyday lives of adults with Dyspraxia and offers information and direction on what might help.
I picked up this book in my early thirties after being diagnosed with Dyspraxia at the age of three. I had thought my diagnosis was one of poor coordination and nothing else, as that is what Dyspraxia is often summarized as, and nobody had really sat down and explained it to me. Somebody mentioned something about Dyspraxia and memory which caught me off guard and I needed to know more. I am glad this is the book I found first, as I cannot emphasise how eye-opening and validating it was to read.
Living With Dyspraxia does an amazing job of explaining in clear terminology what Dyspraxia is, and then goes through key aspects of life as an adult that may be impacted by Dyspraxia. Mary Colley also suggests practical tips, and suggestions on each of these aspects of life, and how challenges can be made easier through shaping how we approach them. Not once does the author suggest that Dyspraxia can be cured or “overcome” as many other books suggest, and embraces that whilst it can make life challenging, it can be understood and supported.
Whilst I struggle to find much fault with Living With Dyspraxia, I do feel that it could have covered more, both in-depth and in general. Being one of the few books that focuses on adults with Dyspraxia means that there are no real alternative texts to turn to fill the gaps or expand on any points.
Ultimately, if you are an adult with Dyspraxia, or want to understand Dyspraxia in adults more, this book feels like a must-read and a worthwhile addition to your bookshelf.