Sixth Form interview/Dyspraxia

sugarplum

My daughter was diagnosed with mild dyspraxia in December. Her main problem area is co-ordination and practical tasks so it hasn't really affected her school work too much (mainly design and p.e.) but it has caused her to have pretty low self esteem.
For this reason she has applied to a Studio School sixth form that would only have 100 pupil in her year as she thinks this would be an environment she would feel more comfortable in.
She has an interview at the college in a couple of week (which is terrifying her) and I wondered if it would be ok for her to mention this reason and the dyspraxia even though she isn't actually statemented and as far as I know her current school hasn't had to make any adjustments for her.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

Judith_W

I think it would be worth mentioning it. You don't need to be statemented for something that still affects you at school and it would show the extent of the thought that had gone into choosing their college. It may also impress them when they compare her to other potential students as she has achieved what she has even with the extra difficulty of having undiagnosed dyspraxia.

sugarplum

Thanks Judith, that's what I thought too but it's always good to have an outside perspective!

sunshine2223

I agree that it is worth mentioning it, and perhaps finding out if there is a specific person (a SENco or similar) that she could speak to if she does find herself struggling because of the dyspraxia.

I know you said that the dyspraxia hasn't affected her school work but further education is very different, so it may reassure her if she knows in advance that there is someone that she could go to should she start having difficulties.

Best of luck to your daughter Sugarplum

sugarplum

Thanks Sunshine Can she still see the Senco if she isn't statemented? All we have is the paedetrition (sp) telling her she's dyspraxic and that we will hear from Occupational Therapy but there's a long wait.

DollyDabbler

Mention it at interview for sixth form, I agree with Judith W, it shows that you have given some thought behind your reasoning for applying to this college.

adelight

Mention it as a motive for her choosing the college and that she feels she'll thrive in the environment, but not as an "excuse" for anything- many people have something which knocks their confidence or makes them feel uncomfortable as this does your DD.

sunshine2223

sugarplum wrote: »

Thanks Sunshine Can she still see the Senco if she isn't statemented? All we have is the paedetrition (sp) telling her she's dyspraxic and that we will hear from Occupational Therapy but there's a long wait.

Yes, there should be no reason why she couldn't speak to the SENco even if she isn't statemented. It's the SENco's role to co-ordinate support for any students with "special educational needs", many are never statemented but are recognised as having a need for support at some level.

Some schools and colleges have other allocated people who can help - they may be called learning mentors (some places call them different things) and they should do things like hep your daughter to organise her assignments if she has any problems with time management or suggest other ways that they can help.

At the interview, I'd just say something along the lines of "my daughter has been told that she is dyspraxic by a paediatrician but we're still waiting for a follow up from the OT. She's not found that she's having any difficulties with her learning in school but we were just wondering if there was someone in the college that she could go to if she has any questions about the dyspraxia and her education in the future?"

The majority of schools and colleges are really geared to supporting people with learning difficulties these days so I'm sure you'll find them really helpful and supportive.

I'm dyspraxic as well as having worked in education for a few years now, so I'm sure I could help with any other questions you have

sugarplum

That's brilliant Sunshine, thanks very much - we're both feeling alot more positive about the interview now :T

Gingham_R

Hiya

Good luck to her first of all!

I have dyspraxia and ADHD and I'm doing a masters. I say tell them and be prepared to ask for help when she needs it.

For me, it's losing my work that is the kicker and I now have a learning mentor emailing me checking that I've filed my stuff! (Seriously!)

sugarplum

Lol that sounds just like her, she loses everything all the time - I have to get her to check her school bag at least 3 times in the morning to make sure she hasn't lost anything!

Thanks for your advice, it's great to hear from someone who's been there!