Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland has launched a practical guide which will assist families experiencing dyspraxia/DCD with their child’s transition from primary to secondary school. Entitled The Next Adventure, the booklet provides constructive advice for families, teachers, and educational establishments, as well as useful checklists for children, parents, and teachers.
The author is Dr Dorothy Armstrong, an occupational therapist, who spoke with a wide range of teenagers and young people about their experiences and used their stories to highlight many of the challenges involved in moving from first to second level. Dyspraxia, a form of development coordination disorder (DCD ), is characterised in children and adults by difficulty with thinking out, planning, and carrying out sensory/motor tasks. It is estimated that dyspraxia affects up to eight per cent of the population but due to its varied symptoms, it can often go undiagnosed.
Commenting at the launch of the booklet, Ciara Garvan, chairperson of Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland, said: "Moving from primary to secondary school can be a daunting task for children with dyspraxia and their parents. We’re delighted to launch The Next Adventure today. Dorothy Armstrong’s engagement with teenagers on their own personal experiences gives us a new insight into what young people go through at this stressful time. The stories shared in the booklet will help inform families and teachers about steps they can take to ensure this transition will take place as smoothly as possible.”
The Next Adventure is available by calling Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland on (01 ) 8747085 or logging on to www.dyspraxia.ie
