Disclosing dyspraxia (learning difficulties)

Silencio_2

I have dyspraxia, which is a learning difficulty that affects some areas of my life. Whilst I consider myself an articulate and able individual, I feel that it is holding me back for getting jobs as it affects my body language and sometimes my train of thought and my memory and understanding of instructions to a small degree.

Hence I don't feel I perform hugely well at interviews. I find it difficult to coordinate a smile and often forget to make eyecontact. I also have coordination difficulties... Hence I have often been labelled as "nice girl, but not very bright".

I was told not to bother aiming very high in college, but ended up with a high 2:1 in human rights at university. There are some things I can do... But I am getting frustrated at the moment.

I hate to bring it up at interviews (but I am hopefully having a civil service interview soon if I pass the numeracy test), as it is not well heard of and people think I am making it up. It is hard to explain how it affects me because I am scared they will think I am incompetant when I am not!

I currently work in a call centre and got moved to sales because I am good at talking to people. I am doing well on my team but hate call centre because A, it only pays £6.50 per hour (and I rent in an expensive part of London) and B, the background noises can be harsh.

Does anybody here have any advice?

Also, do any people here have any ideas of jobs that are good for people with dyspraxia or other neurodiverse conditions? I know it varies but there tend to be traits people share.

Thanks a bunch folks!

jackieb

No advice but couldn't read and run. Just wanted to wish you good luck and hope someone comes along with some advice for you. My son was diagnosed with dyspraxia at 15 and i'd be interested to hear any other replies too.

trishandbubs

Hi sorry didnt want to read and run and probably not going to be very helpful advice so apologise in advance if its not.

Could you not give some literature/covering letter when you send in application forms explaining the area's which you have difficulties in etc and how this will effect your working life. You could also explain during the interview what dyspraxia is and how it effects your life and maybe leave them some information to read through at a later date. I am sure if they knew you are able to do the job and where you have difficulties then if you are suitable for the job then they should employ you, especially as they are not allowed to discrimate against you for your 'disability'.

Good luck with your interview

Richard_Cocks

I wouldn't disclose it on applications or your CV but I would bring it up in interview if you think it'll affect in any way the job later. This is as much about covering yourself if you do get the job, as it is about influencing your chance of getting the job.

keeperofsecrets

Hi Silencio,

I stumbled across your thread while lurking, so thought i had better join up in order to reply!

I would be inclined to say disclose it on your CV, as when you provide additional information, you could briefly describe what it is and emphasise your achievements to show the employer it hasn't held you back. Also, they may be more understanding when it comes to the interview as they will know there is a medical reason. My 16 year old's Dyspraxia affects his speech and fine motor co-ordination, BUT when he complies his CV and mentions it, i will be telling him to counteract it by emphasising the skills he does have.

HTH, and i wish you well for your forthcoming interview

MILLYMOLLY

Can't help that much but didn't want to read and run, as thers have said.
I have 2 sons with dyspraxia and I work in a school and am still surprised by the amount of teachers, T/a's etc who have no understanding or even awareness of dyspraxia or dyslexia.
Good luck in your next interview

LittleVoice

The CV is about getting an interview. The decision to offer one should be based on whether you appear to be able to do the job and not on whether they are understanding about dyspraxia.

However, if you are applying to an organisation which is a Disability Symbol (the "two ticks") user they guarantee to interview someone with a declared disability who meets the minimum stated requirements. So in that case, declaring would be the better option.

tessie_bear

do u get 'het up' and nervous at interviews ? if the stress is making it worse could u learn relaxation techniques/take calms ? ...my husband is dyspraxic and very dyslexic.....he reconds he has more luck getting interview for jobs if he doesnt mention on forms but u may be applying to more enlightened organisations....good luck

spenderblender

I used to work with someone who had dyspraxia and I believe that the company took him on knowing this and , also made allowances for his behaviour. He was more than capable of doing the job but, had a side to him that didn't seem quite right in certain situations.
I would list this on your CV but also state that it is not an illness which would stop you from doing the job as well as any other person and then eleborate more at the interview. This would alow let them know beforehand and allow them to broach it in the interview with you.
Good luck and hope this helped.

specsappeal

hi, my 15 year old also has dyspraxia and has many of the same problems as you. i think it is beneficial to tell potential employers as they would then be able to make certain allowances for you and rightly so. Dyspraxia is a 'hidden' problem and as you rightly say many people have never heard of it so its important to tell people and maybe explain the things you have difficulties with. i wish you lots of luck!

lexa34

You shoud be covered under DDA legislation, this doens't mean you are incapable but they can take into consideration reasonable account your condition.

The "hidden" things like these and mood disorders etc... are misunderstood but things are getting a bit better and it helps to get out there and educate people by showing them how great you can be!

Quite often application forms have the question on them along the lines of "do you consider yourself disabled?". I think this is horrible question-even if you are a wheelchair user to say- I am disabled- somehow a lower person than someone who doesn't class themselves as disabled is very unempowering... but I won't get my soap box out!

Saying all this- there is someone currently being sued by the Council they worked for for NOT disclosing they had sufffered from depression on their form so I wonder if this could be similar for someone who had other condition... gawd knows!