When discussing dyspraxia, most resources focus on education and employment, often overlooking health and hygiene. Coordination difficulties like handwriting, cycling, or driving get some attention, but menstrual health is rarely addressed. Previously, The Dyspraxia Foundation provided valuable guidance on everyday health and hygiene, including menstruation. Unfortunately, due to financial difficulties, the charity closed, leaving a void in the dyspraxic community.

This is empowering for women and provides a wealth of female role models and leaders within our profession. I have been inspired by and learned so much from so many of my colleagues, who are mostly women. 

Dyspraxia is not just about clumsiness; it is a constant mental and physical exhaustion.

I first realised that my dyspraxia was going to come into play in motherhood before my first day as a mother. It was April 16th, 2020, and the hospital was in a frenzy surrounding COVID. Being in the hospital to give birth, particularly after having been isolated during the tense first month of COVID, didn’t feel real. 

Janet Taylor has been a vital figure in raising awareness of dyspraxia, providing resources and support for the community through her writing. Her book, Dyspraxic Adults: An Empowering Guide, is an updated version of her earlier work, ensuring that dyspraxic individuals and their families continue to have access to much-needed information. As part of our Women’s History Month issue, we spoke to Janet about her work, the challenges of advocacy, and her advice for dyspraxic women and girls.

Supporting and Advocating for People with DCD/Dyspraxia

“What is up with my brain?” This is a question I wrestled with for years. When I was 5 years old, I was diagnosed with DCD or Developmental Coordination Disorder. There are many accommodations and opportunities I wish I could have accessed when I was first learning about and coming to terms with my DCD/dyspraxia. There are several types of people who play a part in the dyspraxia community, and two are discussed below.