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Our route : go referal to com pead. Who refered on to ot. They diognosed dypraxia. (about 8 I think) Report written included writing speeds and tests that showed major difficulties with fine motor and motor planning skills. recommended laptop used. Primary were resistant to her using it, but did let them sometime. Secondary been brilliant. Laptop fulltime. Doing really well. Dyspraxia and dyslexia which strengthens the arguement for using.good luck. Def worth following up. . Worth teaching to touch type..highly recomend englishtype junior Program.

DS has had a dx of dyspraxia from before placement, and he has had some OT interventions, though not in the last couple of years. No mention of laptop use.He's just starting secondary; after reading your messages I feel I should think about pushing for help with his writing, maybe through use of a laptop. It hadn't occurred to me; would you advise I go to the (new) school first and point out the dx and ask what they can do to help him, or should I get something from paed first?I don't want to alienate the school as I've just been very insistant about support for his dev trauma issues, and so don't want to just load them up with more to consider. Maybe I should hold back til next term, see how he goes, see if they use laptops a lot anyway, and play it by ear,thoughts?Chooky

My niece had a diagnosis of mild dyspraxia and dyslexia. She wasnt at a terribly good school (private), so am not sure what practical help she was given, but she was given extra time in all exams, and has now gone onto uni. She is extremely bright, but her handwriting is still shockingly bad (looks like a 6 year olds), but she does everything on lap top now.My ad is much younger (6) but we suspect she took has dyspraxia, probably much more severely than my niece. She is having on going sensory integration therapy (which is different, but think helps with her motor skills too) and the OT is going into school to assess her.Personally i would ask school to have her assessed by an ot, who can then recommend appropriate supportChookynoo - i would definitely raise it with school. I frequently raise issues with my ad's school and they are always pleased to listen and find out more. If anything it seems to help them, and they are grateful for any input/insightsGood luck xx

I taught a boy with dyspraxia some years ago (not adopted) and his secondary school were more than happy for him to use a laptop from the off in Y7.Definitely push for thisxxxx

Yes push for laptop use, but it needs to come as a recommendation from either a consultant or an Ed psych. Schools rarely have the funding to provide laptops, even though many students would benefit from it, but in our school, if we get a recommendation from a professional, we can apply for funding.

My BS has dyspraxia and has used a laptop since year4. His handwriting is illegible. Push and they are fine with it.

Hi I have not been diagnosed, but my brother as an adult was recently assessed for dyslexia and was diagnosed with dyspraxia. Looking at the list of indicators for the condition he was provided with, my family concluded that I definitely have it to. My handwriting was not good at school and got worse at secondary, when the amount of writing required increased significantly. I taught myself to touch type at university and my essay marks increased significantly, as the tutors could actually read what I was trying to say. At school I was considered to be very clumsy, always last to be picked for teams and was very disorganised, but academically bright and I did well in exams. My brother was actually far more co-ordinated and did very well at sport. In his case the dyspraxia affected his academic performance. He is currently studying for a work related degree, which was what lead to him getting tested. He would certainly have done better at school with support, so I would certainly push for an assessment. In my case it has helped explain why I still have problems with being organised, do not have good co-ordination, and interestingly why I speak a lot faster than usual. Best wishes Bellybug