Championing Dyspraxic Voices: An Interview with Janet Taylor
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.
A BOOK TO EMPOWER DYSPRAXIC ADULTS
Janet’s journey as an author began with her first book, Dyspraxic Adults: Surviving in a Non-Dyspraxic World. Recognising the need for an updated version, she decided to rework and expand the book into Dyspraxic Adults: An Empowering Guide, which will be available in both paperback and ebook formats. The recent closure of the Dyspraxia Foundation reinforced the importance of having accessible resources, and Janet hopes her book will help fill this gap.
CHALLENGES IN DYSPRAXIA ADVOCACY
Despite her dedication, raising awareness of dyspraxia has not been without challenges. “Many organisations lack funding and expect my expertise for free,” Janet explains. “They use me as a tick-box exercise to cover dyspraxia in 45 minutes.” The closure of the Dyspraxia Foundation has made representation even more difficult. However, Janet praises Dyspraxia Magazine for its work in keeping the conversation going.
UPDATING THE BOOK: NEW INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES
Janet’s new edition not only updates the language and research but also refines the content for a clearer and more concise read. “Some of the weaker chapters have been removed to reduce the word count for the paper copy,” she explains. Additionally, she has incorporated more inclusive language, such as using “neurotype” instead of “comorbidity.”
A significant addition to the book is a new section on dyspraxia and its intersections with equality and diversity. “As well as the original chapter on dyspraxia and gender, there will be information on dyspraxia from a Black perspective,” Janet shares. She is also keen to include contributions from the LGBTQIA+ community and welcomes voices that can help expand the conversation.
Advice for Dyspraxic Women and Girls
For many dyspraxic women and girls, self-doubt can be a persistent struggle. Janet offers heartfelt advice:
“I’ve read posts from various Facebook groups where dyspraxic women and girls are very self-critical and hard on themselves. They would probably tell their friends off for saying the same thing. For goodness’ sake, be kind to yourself! Don’t try to mask your differences to fit in, it’s bad for your mental health. Be proud of being a unique person. Recognise your strengths, and before you say you haven’t got any, everyone is good at something, even if their self-esteem has been battered by living in a non-dyspraxic world.”
FACING HEALTH CHALLENGES WITH POSITIVITY
Janet also shared an update on her health. She has incurable breast cancer, with secondary tumours in her spine and pelvis. “It is under control at the moment with cancer medication,” she says. While her condition has delayed the completion of her book, she remains positive and continues to enjoy life. “This book will be my legacy when it becomes terminal,” she reflects.
Her resilience and dedication to the dyspraxia community remain unwavering. Not only has she continued her advocacy, but she has also shown the community just how much she is enjoying life. Through sharing her travel stories and photos in dyspraxia community groups, she has taken others along on her adventures, inspiring many with her enthusiasm and love for life. Fellow members are always eager to hear about her journeys, a testament to the deep connection she has with the community.
Through her writing, advocacy, and lived experience, Janet has empowered countless individuals, and her work will continue to do so for years to come. This interview serves as a tribute to Janet’s invaluable contributions and a reminder of the importance of supporting dyspraxic voices. If you would like to contribute to her upcoming book, particularly from an LGBTQIA+ perspective, please reach out to her.
