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Dyspraxia and your career

Posted on • Career planning, Confidence, Disabilities and health conditions, Neurodiversity

What is dyspraxia?

Photo of Lego map and compass.

Dyspraxia (also called developmental coordination disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition which affects movement, coordination and motor skills. People often associate it with poor spatial awareness, but it can also lead to difficulties in processing, judgement, and memory. The NHS estimate that around 3-5% of adults in the UK have dyspraxia.

Everyone’s experience of dyspraxia will be different, and you might find the Dyspraxia Foundation a good place to look for information and support.

 

Dyspraxia at work: meet ImogenPhoto of Lego figures chatting with 'Life Skills' poster in the background.

Imogen is studying psychology alongside her job a community support worker where she helps adults to build confidence, learn everyday skills, and access local support services.

Imogen’s strengths include empathy, creative problem-solving, and big picture thinking. She is able to put people at ease, find alternative ways to help them move forward, and can understand her clients’ wider situation.

Challenges she manages include organisation, navigating new environments, and recalling information.

She uses digital reminders and checklists to stay on track, gives herself extra time when visiting unfamiliar places, and writes things down or repeats key details to make sure nothing important is missed.

Recognise your skills and qualities and learn how to successfully deal with career challenges with some of our guided activities.

Employment and your rights

It’s your choice if you want to disclose your dyspraxia to your employer. Being neurodivergent will often amount to a disability under the Equality Act 2010, and so if you do decide to disclose, your employer has an obligation to consider reasonable adjustments. Understand your rights and get some hints and tips about how to discuss your neurodivergence with an employer.

Talk to us

Want to talk it over? Book a careers consultation and we can support you to explore your strengths and build strategies when things feel more challenging.

OU Careers Consultant PennyPenny Beecroft is an OU Careers and Employability Consultant specialising in supporting students in Wales. Penny helps students navigate their futures, figure out their goals and build their confidence through one-to-one careers consultations and by designing career learning events and resources for the OU. Explore the rest of the Careers Stories page for more articles from the Careers and Employability Services team.