What is mild dyspraxia like?

Question

I'm not sure if I just have poor coordination or mild dyspraxia. I'm still able to do things, but usually at a much slower pace than people around me. I always get beeped at if I don't cross the road fast enough and I really hate crossing a road if there are no street lights or there are cars coming from 3 different directions. I'm very clumsy with my hands and usually put more force in doing things (like opening a bottle) and usually injure my hands because of it.

I also don't like to do things in front of people like cook or play videogames, because I just don't want them to see how slow or unsure I am about doing things. Or I don't want them to see how awkward my movements look.

Even when I take photos (somewhat professionally) the other photographers are quicker than me. It could just mean that I only want a perfect shot, but people usually come up to me when I take photos and ask if I'm ok.

Also, if I walk with my hands in my pocket or I'm holding something I lose my balance.

I've been seeing a psychologist about my dyslexia so I'm not sure if I could have dyspraxia too. Or if poor motor skills is also a part of dyslexia.

I just can't find any information on what mild dyspraxia is like or if it's even possible to have mild dyspraxia.

I'd probably get tested, but it only seems to be mild. I do get made fun of for being just a bit slow. My dyslexia testing bills are stacking up too.

So, do you think I could be dyspraxic?

Oh and at school I was awful at sports and I could never do more than ollie on a skateboard. I so wanted to land a kickflip.

Answer 1

I'd talk to your psychologist about getting tested for dyspraxia.

You might be able to get some help with an OT to address some of the issues.  That might make you feel a bit more comfortable and confidant later on in life.  Even if nothing else comes of the discussion, I think you can benefit from discussing this with the psychologist.  I have NLD and coordination issues (visual-spacial) and have spent my life very self-conscious of this.  Talking about it now is beginning to help me identify my issues and then find ways to cope.

EDIT:  I now read that you are out of school.  I was thinking they would help you and test.  In that case, I'd talk to the psych and get their recommendations, but I would look into identifying your personal issues and creating your own plan on how to work with them.  I am just now learning how to deal with my own, but I've been observing the situations that cause me the most issues and working on finding new ways to cope.  I'm also trying to find new books on the subject for suggestions.  My doc told me to start up physical activity like swimming or ti chi because it will help bridge the brain gap.  He also said learning to play a musical instrument will also help.  Really, ask your psych.  They should know something.