Yellow Door Chico Interns Lecture, April ’19

Understanding Dyspraxia: How I Explained it to future clinicians

As an Autistic autism researcher, I had the opportunity to lecture Cal State Chico Interns on a myriad of topics related to communication, identity, and the challenges of navigating professional fields as well as personal experiences. Throughout the lecture, I shared intriguing insights about the nuances of human interaction and the diverse ways in which individuals perceive and express themselves.

Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a condition that often goes unnoticed, yet it profoundly impacts the lives of those who experience it. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of clinic interns about dyspraxia, helping them understand its complexities and how to better support individuals with this condition in their professional practice. Here’s how I broke it down for them.

What Is Dyspraxia?

I started by explaining that dyspraxia is a neurological condition that affects motor coordination, planning, and execution. It’s not related to intelligence, but it can co-occur with other conditions like Autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. People with dyspraxia may struggle with fine and gross motor skills, balance, and spatial awareness. I emphasized that while it’s often dismissed as clumsiness, dyspraxia is much more than that—it’s a condition that can impact every aspect of a person’s daily life.

The Challenges of Dyspraxia

I asked the interns to imagine trying to tie their shoes in the dark or write with a pen that keeps slipping from their grip. These are just small examples of what someone with dyspraxia may face daily. I explained the concept of “proprioceptive blind spots,” where the brain struggles to perceive the body’s position in space. This can make even simple tasks, like navigating a crowded room or holding a pencil, feel like monumental challenges.

But the struggles don’t end with physical coordination. I highlighted how dyspraxia can also affect emotional well-being. Persistent difficulties with motor tasks can lead to frustration, low self-esteem, and even social withdrawal. Many individuals with dyspraxia develop coping mechanisms, such as masking or overcompensating, which can lead to burnout and mental health challenges.

How Clinicians Can Help

To prepare the interns for working with this population, I shared practical strategies they could use in their practice. Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps is a simple yet effective approach. I encouraged them to use visual aids, checklists, and demonstrations to support learning, and to recommend adaptive tools like weighted pens or button hooks for daily tasks.

I also emphasized the importance of focusing on strengths. People with dyspraxia often excel in creative and analytical thinking, and highlighting these strengths can help build confidence. Positive reinforcement and celebrating small victories can go a long way in empowering their patients.

The Role of Music Therapy

One of the most impactful parts of our discussion was about music therapy. I explained how rhythm and melody can aid in motor skill development, improving coordination, timing, and motor planning. Music therapy engages multiple areas of the brain, making it a powerful tool for individuals with dyspraxia. Sharing examples of how I’ve used music therapy to address proprioceptive challenges helped the interns see the potential of creative interventions in their future practice.

Empathy and Advocacy

Finally, I stressed the importance of empathy and patient-centered care. People with dyspraxia often feel misunderstood or dismissed, so it’s crucial for clinicians to approach them with patience and understanding. Avoiding labels like “lazy” or “clumsy” and instead acknowledging the unique challenges they face can make a world of difference.

I also encouraged the interns to advocate for greater awareness of dyspraxia in their workplaces and communities. Educating others about this condition can help reduce stigma and create more supportive environments for those affected.

What other professionals should study

Explaining dyspraxia to this group of interns reminded me of the importance of knowledge and compassion in clinical practice. By understanding the challenges of dyspraxia and implementing practical strategies, these future clinicians will be better equipped to support individuals with this condition. My hope is that they left the session not only with a deeper understanding of dyspraxia but also with the motivation to advocate for and empower this often-overlooked population.

As clinicians, we have the power to change lives—not just by treating conditions, but by truly understanding the people who live with them.

One of the key themes that permeated the lecture was the concept of masking, where individuals may feel compelled to conform to societal norms and expectations, often at the cost of their own well-being. I delved into the profound impact of masking on individuals within the autism spectrum and highlighted the medical, neurological, and emotional repercussions of constantly navigating a world that may feel hostile or alien.

Furthermore, I emphasized the importance of understanding and amplifying the voices of those in the autistic community. I highlighted the need to seek out and respect the perspectives of autistic individuals, especially through their blogs and other forms of self-expression. I elucidated how these self-advocates play a crucial role in reshaping societal perceptions and creating a more inclusive and accommodating environment for individuals with diverse communication and identity needs.

In conclusion, the lecture shed light on the intricate web of human communication, the challenges of identity formation, and the imperative of honoring and amplifying diverse voices. It served as a poignant reminder of the beauty and complexity inherent in every individual’s unique way of navigating the world, and the significance of fostering understanding and acceptance in our interactions with others.

Autistic Perspectives on Academic Research: Embracing Intersectionality

As an autistic autism researcher, I am thrilled to delve into the complexities of intersectionality within academia. The lecture offered a unique glimpse into my perspective on the challenges and opportunities that arise when navigating the academic landscape as an autistic individual.

The Social Pretense

My opening remarks acknowledge the artificiality of ‘pretending’ to be neurotypical in social situations. This pretense is often expected of autistic individuals in order to conform to societal norms. However, it can be cognitively and emotionally draining, hindering our ability to fully engage in academic pursuits.

By shedding the pretense, we can create spaces where autistic researchers can bring their authentic selves to their work. This allows for more genuine and inclusive collaborations, where our perspectives are valued and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the world.

Time and Energy Constraints

As an autistic researcher, I often face time and energy constraints that impact my ability to engage in research. My daily schedule is filled with teaching and other commitments, leaving limited time for research and writing.

It is crucial for academic institutions to recognize and accommodate these constraints. Flexible work arrangements, reduced teaching loads, and access to support services can empower autistic researchers to make meaningful contributions to their field.

Cognitive and Sensory Considerations

Autistic individuals often have unique cognitive and sensory profiles that influence our research experiences. For example, I find it challenging to maintain eye contact for extended periods, which can impact my ability to engage in certain research methods.

Academic research should be adapted to accommodate these differences. Alternative methods of data collection and analysis, such as written responses or online surveys, can allow autistic researchers to participate fully in research projects.

Beyond Ignorance: Embracing Intersectional Perspectives

The lecture emphasizes the importance of moving beyond ignorance and embracing the diversity of perspectives within academia. As researchers, we have a responsibility to educate ourselves about the experiences of autistic individuals and other marginalized groups.

By fostering intersectional research teams and incorporating autistic voices into our work, we can challenge stereotypes and create a more equitable and inclusive academic environment.

Conclusion

Embracing intersectionality is essential for advancing our understanding of the world. By creating inclusive spaces, accommodating cognitive and sensory differences, and valuing autistic perspectives, we can empower autistic researchers to make significant contributions to academia and society.

The journey towards a truly inclusive academic environment requires collaboration, empathy, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. By working together, we can create a future where all researchers, regardless of their neurotype, have the opportunity to thrive and make their voices heard.

A Poem

In social’s realm, a masquerade,
Where pretenses hide, an identity’s fade.
‘How are you?’ we ask, a hollow plea,
Concealing struggles beneath a mask we decree.

Dyspraxia’s touch, a hidden trace,
Impairs our movements, leaves an awkward grace.
In bodies burdened, minds ablaze,
We seek connection amidst neural mazes.

Neuroscience probes, unraveling the unknown,
Exploring brains that shape our every moan.
From childhood struggles to adult’s plight,
We navigate the world with all our might.

‘I’ve been sitting all day,’ a weary sigh,
Teaching’s toll, a drain that cannot lie.
Undress or stay clad, a choice to make,
As boundaries blur, our comfort at stake.

The bra’s a threshold, a line we cross,
Concentration’s key, a battle we toss.
Eyes locked in gaze, a pact we seal,
To share our truths, our wounds to heal.

Careers we choose, with unknown fate,
Serving others, dispelling ignorant hate.
For in the face of illness, we strive to see,
Beyond the labels, the true humanity.

Lyme’s disguise, a psychosomatic guise,
Delays the treatment, as doctors surmise.
But knowledge empowers, a guiding light,
To bridge the gap between day and night.

So let us dance, in this identity’s play,
Embracing our strengths, our flaws we display.
For in our differences, we find our worth,
A tapestry of minds, a vibrant Earth.