Hands on Dyspraxia: Developmental Coordination Disorder

Though now retired as an occupational therapist, Jill Christmas still continues to provide informal advice to parents, grandparents and carers who have children struggling with issues caused by dyspraxia and allied challenges. Jill was previously the principal of her own clinic, which had a team of occupational therapists and other linked professionals. The clinic had contracts with Special Schools, LEAs and the NHS for the assessment and treatment of children with dyspraxia, DCD, A[DH]D, austistic spectrum disorders, sensory integrative dysfunction and a range of other conditions. The clinic now continues under different management and is based in Sussex.

Rosaline Van de Weyer has both a personal and professional interest in supporting people with DCD. Her son was diagnosed with DCD at the age of 8 years old. She experiences the joys and, at times, heartache of bringing up a 'distracted', 'needs to write more neatly' (school reports) fabulous young man. Occupational therapy has been a passion for 20 years, helping people overcome difficulties and thrive in all aspects of life. Rosaline manages Dyspraxia UK, an occupational therapy assessment service for people of all ages. This service is primarily independent, but is commissioned by NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups in areas that do not have existing services to meet the demand.