| Joan's Story When I was a child in the 1930's, little if anything was known about dyspraxia. I did quite well at school, but was always in trouble for poor writing and general untidiness. Physical training, art and needlework were a nightmare. I came in for some mental bullying and some teasing too. University was more pleasant, I made friends more easily there, and finished with a reasonable degree. I became a trainee librarian, but was dismissed because of 'unsuitability due lack of manual dexterity'. About this time I learned, with great difficulty to drive, but my biggest problem was a poor sense of direction and I had a lot of minor bumps when maneouvering. I later learned office skills and had a job for some time. In those days it was Shorthand and Typing, and fortunatley for me there was full employment at the time, or they would not have put up with my slow and inaccurate typing. Later as a housewife with two children. I had trouble with cooking skills, and was always burning things. I was renamed C .B.W. (Crash Bang Wollop). At 72 and living alone, I am happier now than ever before. No one is complaining or laughing, and I seldom drop or burn things. I am glad that Dyspraxia has finally been recognised and younger people are getting help which would have made a big difference to me. J.S. Hyman. |