University life can be exciting, demanding, and sometimes frustrating for students with dyspraxia. While dyspraxia affects coordination, motor skills, and planning differently for everyone, certain aspects of university learning can pose specific challenges.
What is dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects movement, coordination, and planning. These differences don't diminish your intelligence or capabilities; they simply mean your brain processes and integrates sensory information in a unique way.
Understanding Your Challenges:
Here's how dyspraxia might impact your studies compared to neurotypical peers:
Fine Motor Skills: Writing notes quickly in lectures, taking neat and organised notes, and completing fine motor tasks like lab work can be difficult. Lectures might feel like a race against time, and written assignments can be tiring and frustrating.
Organisation & Planning: Keeping track of deadlines, materials, and schedules can be challenging. Dates slip your mind, and organising thoughts and information feels chaotic. Juggling multiple commitments and staying on top of assignments can be overwhelming.
Time Management: Estimating time accurately and following schedules can be tricky. Procrastination becomes a frequent companion, leading to last-minute cramming and stress. Keeping up with the fast-paced university environment can feel like running uphill.
Physical Coordination: Participating in group activities, navigating unfamiliar spaces, and handling crowded areas can be challenging. Sports events, workshops, and social gatherings might feel anxiety-inducing.
Your Strengths: Embracing the Differences:
Dyspraxia presents challenges, but it also comes with unique strengths you can leverage in your studies:
Kinesthetic & Spatial Learning: You might excel at learning through hands-on activities, understanding concepts through movement, and visualising spatial relationships. Lectures with demonstrations? Bring it on!
Problem-Solving & Resourcefulness: You may have a knack for thinking outside the box, finding creative solutions, and adapting to situations. Group projects, anyone?
Verbal Communication: You likely express yourself clearly and persuasively in spoken language. Seminars, debates, and presentations might be your forte!
Determination & Perseverance: Overcoming challenges has likely fostered a strong work ethic and unwavering determination. You've got this!
The key to academic success with dyspraxia lies in understanding your needs and preferences, and finding strategies that work for you. Here are some tips:
Explore Specialist Support: If you are entitled to the Disabled Students’ Allowance, you may be eligible for additional one to one Specialist Study Skills Support. Ask your Disability Advisor or the Disability team (disabilityteam@derby.ac.uk) if this is something you can access.
Advocacy & Accommodations: Connect with support services, like the Disability or Student Support teams, to discuss your needs and access accommodations like extended time on exams, alternative assessment methods, or note-taking support. Remember, you have the right to thrive!
Assistive Technology: Use voice recorders for capturing lectures, dictation software for writing notes, and ergonomic tools for handwriting. Remember, technology is your friend!
Alternative Note-Taking: Focus on key concepts and record lectures as audio or video to review later. Use mind maps, visual organisers, and voice notes to capture information effectively.
Study Strategies: Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps, use visual aids like diagrams and flowcharts, and find alternative assessment methods like oral presentations or practical demonstrations. Explore different learning methods like group study, field trips, or hands-on activities.
Organisation Tools: Use online calendars, planners with reminders, and colour-coding systems to manage schedules and information. Experiment with different organisational methods to find what works best for you.
Seek Peer Support: Connect with other students with dyspraxia on campus or online, via the Union of Students or your own peer networks. Sharing experiences and learning from others can be invaluable. You're not alone!