b'Stephanie GaddumA critical analysis of the use of drama workshopsto aid dyspraxic young adults.Dissertation ExtractStephanie GaddumDyspraxia, also known as Developmental Co-ordinationI was falling behind in classes and unable to apply ideas Disorder (DCD), is a specific learning difficulty.to paper. Following my diagnosis, I was better able to understand myself and others. I was lucky to receive Dyspraxia impacts education, work leisure activities andhelp from physiotherapy, a supportive family and a everyday skills. It impacts mental and physical heath, co- helpful secondary school. Without early intervention ordination, spatial awareness, time management, planning,and support, I am not sure I would be the person I am organisation and social skills. Dyspraxia is currently under- today. Understanding my differences gave me the chance researched in comparison with other learning differences,to develop coping mechanisms and build my self esteem such as dyslexia and autism.and confidence. This made it easier for me to make friends, be happy and achieve my goals. My dissertation investigates the potential use of drama workshops to aid dyspraxic young adults across threeDyspraxia, also known as Developmental Co-ordination different case studies, through a critical lens. This extractDisorder (DCD) is a specific learning difficulty. I prefer covers the first case study on David Roys mask workshopsthe term difference. It can affect anyone and may be for dyspraxics in a school in Australia. As a dyspraxicdetected by professionals in very young children and and drama student myself, this topic interests me greatly.babies that generally present with low muscle tone. I have experienced some benefits of drama workshopsAccording to the NHS: Dyspraxia is thought to be four first-hand, but would like to consider their use on atimes more common in boys than girls (NHS 2016:np). wider scale. Whilst it is impossible to encompass this inThe Dyspraxia Foundation defines dyspraxia as: its entirety, as dyspraxics are not one homogeneous group,A common disorder affecting movement and I would like to investigate if completed workshops havecoordination in children, young people and adults with positive effects for dyspraxics. I want to understand whatsymptoms present since childhood. A persons coordination factors influence the effectiveness of these workshops,difficulties affect their functioning of everyday skills and and if they have the potential to aid dyspraxic youngparticipation in education, work, and leisure activities. adults specifically. Through this dissertation I hope toA range of co-occurring difficulties can have a substantial have informed some educators on how to enable learningadverse impact on life including mental and physical health, for dyspraxics and increase awareness and understandingand difficulties with time management, planning, personal of dyspraxia. I was diagnosed with dyspraxia when I wasorganisation, and social skills. (Kent 2018:np). twelve years old and the diagnosis changed my life. There has been very little research on dyspraxia Dyspraxia affects my everyday life and means that routinecompared with dyslexia and autism, which are, in tasks are harder, for example using keys, tying shoelaces,medical terms, related conditions. Dyspraxia is not as walking upstairs, getting dressed especially with zips andwell understood as other learning differences, which is buttons. I often find it hard to read peoples body language.why I have chosen to focus on dyspraxia for my dissertation At school, I hated physical education and struggled inand will concentrate on co-ordination, confidence and mathematics, particularly when using a drawing compasssocial skills. Nick Miller1 a medical professional, observed and understanding place value. I was constantly criticiseda dyspraxic patient as follows: A continent patient was for bad handwriting and untidy, illegible work. Dyspraxiagiven the bottle in sufficient time, but nevertheless cannot be grown out of; I will always be dyspraxic.wet himself and the bed because of his disability in Dyspraxia affected my school life and I regularly feltcoordinating the actions of putting the bottle in position, stupid, hopeless, clumsy and forgetful. I saw myopening his pyjamas, directing the penis into the urinal differences as negatives. I could not understand whyand only then releasing urine. (ibid:19). 11'