Articles

  • Black History Month: How dyspraxia has allowed me to reclaim my narrative

    October marks Black History Month in the UK, a time to celebrate the immense contributions Black people have made to British history, while also embracing the beauty and diversity of African and Caribbean cultures.

    This month also coincides with Dyspraxia Awareness Week, making it an especially busy time for me. The theme for this year’s Black History Month is “Reclaiming Narratives,” and for me, part of reclaiming a narrative involves challenging long-held stereotypes. In this blog, I want to explore how dyspraxia has allowed me to reclaim what it means to be a Black man in 21st century Britain.

  • History of Dyspraxia

    Dyspraxia can be traced to the mid-19th century. One of the first terms used to describe motor difficulties, from the mid-nineteenth century, was apraxia. 
  • Just how common is it to be both Dyspraxic and Autistic?

    Studies have consistently found a high prevalence of dyspraxia among individuals on the autism spectrum. Research published in Autism Research suggests that approximately 80% of people with ASD also meet the diagnostic criteria for dyspraxia. This comorbidity poses additional challenges for those already coping with the complexities of autism. (Cassidy et al., 2016)
  • Tory MP Tom Hunt's Voting Challenge Highlights Dyspraxia

    In a recent local election on May 2nd 2024, Tory MP Tom Hunt encountered an unexpected hurdle: he forgot his photo ID, now a requirement for voting in the UK. Hunt, who has dyspraxia, explained that his condition played a role in losing his ID. Despite his support for voter ID laws, Hunt found himself needing an emergency proxy vote to cast his ballot (Evening Standard).
  • The Harm of Misleading Claims About ‘Autism Reversal’ from The Telegraph

    A recent article from prominent newspaper The Telegraph, claims that severe autism can be reversed, based on a so-called 'ground breaking study'. This narrative is not only scientifically inaccurate but also profoundly harmful to the autistic community, most especially the children these ‘scientific studies’ are conducted on.
  • Historic Day for Dyspraxia Awareness as Two Dyspraxic MPs Secure Seats in Parliament

    Today marks a momentous occasion for the neurodivergent community, particularly for those with dyspraxia, as the Labour Party secures a victory in the General Election. Among the newly elected MPs, we celebrate the success of Laurence Turner, who has won his seat, and Emma Lewell-Buck, who has successfully retained hers. Both MPs are openly dyspraxic, bringing much-needed representation and awareness to dyspraxia.
  • Dyspraxia Foundation Announces Closure Amid Financial Challenges

    In a heartfelt announcement made on Saturday, April 20th, the Dyspraxia Foundation revealed its decision to cease operations, citing insurmountable financial obstacles. The closure marks the end of a nearly four-decade-long journey dedicated to supporting individuals with dyspraxia and their communities.
  • Disability Advocates in the USA Urge Elimination of Subminimum Wage Employment

      A growing movement led by disability advocates in the Unites States are calling for the abolishment of subminimum wage employment, arguing that ...
  • DONALD TRIPLETT: A PIONEER IN THE AUTISM COMMUNITY

    The autism community is mourning the recent loss of a true pioneer, Donald Triplett, who was not only the first person ever diagnosed with autism but also made significant contributions to advancing our understanding of this complex condition. His passing has left a void in the autism community, and it is a sombre moment to reflect on his life and the remarkable impact he had.
  • Why does the autism community reject the puzzle piece and autism speaks charity

    The autistic community has been increasingly vocal about its opposition to the organisation known as Autism Speaks, which claims to advocate and support autistic individuals and their families. However, many autistic individuals and their allies argue that the organization's actions and rhetoric perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to the marginalization of autistic people.
  • Dyspraxic and neurodivergent people are the pillars that hold the creative industries aloft

    "When you really look into it, dyspraxic and neurodivergent people are the pillars that hold the creative industries aloft. If it wasn't for us the world would be really boring." Gary Clark, 31, is a Freelance writer from England who was diagnosed with Dyspraxia in 1998.
  • Universal Credit sanction impacts on disabled people

    Disabled and risk people are risk losing their benefits under new Universal Credit sanctions announced by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt today.