Dyspraxia Foundation

20/04/2024

Important Announcement Regarding Dyspraxia Foundation

Dear Community,
We write to you today with heavy hearts but with utmost transparency and respect. It is with profound regret that we must announce the closure of the Dyspraxia Foundation.

After much consideration, and in light of enormous long-standing financial challenges, the Board of Trustees has made the difficult decision to cease operations. This decision was not made lightly, and it comes after exhaustive efforts to sustain our mission and serve those in need.

Despite appointing a new CEO in October, Lucy Owen, who has worked tirelessly and joined with big aspirations for the Dyspraxia Foundation and the dyspraxic community, the current financial climate within the third sector has sadly proven too great a barrier to overcome for the charity.

We understand the impact our closure may have on the individuals and communities we have supported over the decades. We want to express our deepest gratitude to all of our supporters, donors, volunteers, and partners who have stood by us and shared in our mission to create a society in which dyspraxia is not a barrier to opportunity and fulfilment.

Please visit https://dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk for the full statement.

We offer information and support to people with dyspraxia. This includes resources for individuals, families, and professionals. We raise awareness about dyspraxia and create a supportive community. We empower individuals with dyspraxia to thrive in all aspects of life.

12/04/2024

This weeks book has kindly been read and reviewed for us by long time member and supporter Natalie Williams, here is what she thought of the book;

Anna’s Garden is a beautifully illustrated young children’s book, with short rhyming sentences. It follows the story of Anna, a young girl who encounters characters who invite her to join in with activities such as climbing, jumping and popping balloons. Anna declines, as these are not activities she would enjoy. Importantly, Anna’s kindness is highlighted in the story in lines such as “But thank you for asking, here’s a present from me”.
Whilst dyspraxia isn’t explicitly mentioned in the book, it is subtly touched upon and is such a valuable story for young children to have access to. The more that difference is talked about at a young age, the more accepting children will be and neurodivergent children will feel represented and understood.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Annas-Garden-Sarah-Hewitt/dp/1837914842/ref=sr_1_1?crid=284WFIG1WX09V&&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rGphBho0OURgDP6vj5WLvAij3R_PaVYDnEpowg6q39ICT6WD--uhMq2qfkS2CZEBJQHq4M2AVwzqo4Ar2YJNedFZEqg3IECeh_4lJuIGLaIVStd7bOh5p-vUx9suWpz2zmMiZP

11/04/2024

We first shared this useful resource by Amanda Kirby back in May 2022 as it is still really helpful and with exams not long away for many we thought it would be good to share again!

08/04/2024

With exams looming for many here are 10 tips that may help when revising.
1. Start revising early-don't leave to the last minute.
2. Find a specific place to study that you won't be disturbed.
3. Break down your revision into smaller more managable chunks.
4. Use visual prompts.
5. Colour code your work.
6. Find somone to revise with-a revision buddy!
7. Turn off notifications on your phone or turn it off completely.
8. Practice! Doing past papers is a useful way to revise.
9. Give yourself goals and rewards for when you have completed your revision.
10. Stay healthy-take regular breaks, keep hydrated, eat and sleep well and try to get outside for some fresh air from time to time.

04/04/2024

Remembering when Trustee Dr Sally Payne was interviewed on the BBC One Breakfast in 2018 following the introduction of a dyspraxic character on Dr Who!

https://www.facebook.com/dyspraxiafoundation/videos/381150422424771

01/04/2024

We have put together a few helpful tips that may be useful for anyone considering a Spring Clean! (now that Spring has finally arrived!)

• Have designated areas for all your belongings.
• Label cupboards and drawers so it's easier to find things and easier to know where to put things away
• Put food items in clear plastic containers so it's easier to see what you need and when you are running out. (make sure you label well and if appropriate add the use-by date too)
• Break cleaning tasks down into smaller more manageable tasks.
• Have a cleaning timetable or a tick off To-Do list to help keep track of what needs doing and when.
• Try to keep areas from becoming too cluttered and if you don’t use items or have clothes you dont wear anymore think about donating to charity or making some extra cash by selling.
• Consider how you use your home and make sure walkways are clear.
• Create some house rules, if you live with others this is best done together to ensure everyone is on board with the ideas.
• Get into routines that work best for you and your home.

We would love to hear if you have any that you do to help in keeping your home organised so please do share here.

31/03/2024

Wishing all our members, supporters and followers a very Happy Easter!

25/03/2024

Often there is good intention but still the reasons as to why extra time is needed and given is not always fully understood. There are many ways that schools and colleges can help and support on top of extra time allowance in exams.

24/03/2024

It's the last day of and here is our TOP TIP # 7 for dyspraxics in the workplace.

To find out more head to our website-https://dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/adults/employment

23/03/2024

It's Day 6 of and here is our TOP TIP for dyspraxics in the workplace.

To find out more head to our website-https://dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/adults/employment

23/03/2024

We've had an enquiry about dyspraxic people's experience of falls.
Is falling something that you or your child do, or worry about doing?
If so, when and where do you/they fall over?

22/03/2024

Research project
Please find below information around a research project we have been contacted about:

'I'm a mature student at University of Strathclyde in Glasgow studying for a Master of Research in Physical Activity and Health. I'm also hypermobile (HSD) and living with ADHD, dyspraxia and Lipoedema. I would be grateful if you would consider participating in my study. It will take around 30 minutes to complete.
Studies have shown that neurodivergent people, dyspraxia, ADHD, Autism etc. are around 50% more likely to be hypermobile which may cause issues with physical activities.
I'm looking for women living in the UK who may not be very physically active as they would like to be, and live with generalised joint hypermobility or hypermobility spectrum disorder or hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome and /or neurodivergent conditions such as dyspraxia, ADHD, Autism. There are some exclusions which include osteoporosis, asthma, pregnancy, wheelchair user, medications for depression/anxiety, treatment or currently being treated for PTSD of under treatment by psychiatrist or psychologist. If you are unsure if you have hypermobility, use the picture on the top right below to do a check.
Follow the QR code on the picture or use the link below. Thank you for your help.
https://hass.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3OTGugAXNirrEyy'