There’s been much discussion previously on who can actually diagnose dyspraxia – it might be worth checking first with your intended Educational Psychologist just in case …………..

John

Hi Eva,

I  can see why you're confused!  I think what you're suggesting would be a good approach.  It will be worth paying for an assessment in order to see exactly what this individual's needs are, and how best they can be supported.

I notice that on the Dyspraxia Foundation website which Amanda posted, it mentions that the local Disability Employment Adviser may be able to refer to a local occuaptional psychologist, so this would be one way to find somebody expertienced in this area.

Best wishes
Caroline

Chappell, Eva wrote:

Thank you Caroline,

The website looks very useful indeed.  I will go through it carefully.

As for Ed Psych assessments, we have internal professionals who carry these out for learners, but they are not able to do this for staff as this is not in their remit.  When I initially spoke to our HR team, they seemed to be reluctant to refer to an Ed Psych because of the cost, and they contacted Access to Work, who would not fund this as they see it as the organisaiton’s responsibility to identify need.  ATW would then fund any reasonable adjustments that had been recommended if we are unable to provide any necessary resources.  They also told me that our Occ Health organisation would not carry out a dypraxia assessment either.  This is why we are all a bit confused.  We have very clear routes for assessing and supporting learners, and I am now working to standardise (as best I can) processes for disabled staff.  Obviously, we need to look at each individual on an individual needs basis, but dyspraxia seems to be one which is causing much confusion!

I think what I will do now, is recommend that our HR team pay for an Ed Psych assessment externally and then arrange an OT assessment alongside and see where we go.

Thanks for your support with this,

Hi Eva,

The website for DANDA, the Developmental Adult Neuero-Diversity Association, has some useful introductory information about neurodiversity, including dyspraxia:

http://www.danda.org.uk

 Their guide to Neurodiversity in the workplace has some useful ideas:

http://www.danda.org.uk/pages/neuro-diversity/neurodiversity-in-the-workplace.php

A point to remember is that someone with dyspraxia may also show traits of other conditions such as dyslexia and ADHD. 

I think what you need is not so much a medical diagnosis as an assessment, similar to a dylsexia assessment,  by an Educational Psychologist.   Who does these for students at your instituion?

Hope this helps,
Caroline

-- 

Caroline Moughton

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Co-ordinator  (ASA, CA, EFM and LR) and

Staff Disability Adviser

L 3.12, Library, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane Campus, Oxford OX3 0BP

01865 483148    [log in to unmask]

Chappell, Eva wrote:

[log in to unmask]:143/fetch%3EUID%3E.INBOX%3E27931?header=quotebody&part=1.2&filename=image001.jpg">

Hi,

Can anyone offer me some advice on how to best support a member of staff who suspects she has dyspraxia?

I’ve been contacted by a manager who has a new member of staff working in libraries and resource centres, who thinks she may have dyspraxia.  The manager has asked me how we can put some support measures in place and what support measures may be needed.  I have spoken to our HR team who believe that they are unable to refer this staff member straight to Occupational Health as they will not assess dyspraxia.

Am I right in thinking that she will need a medical diagnosis before our HR team can refer to an Occupational Health Team?  If not, can you advise?  I am new to this role and am not clear.

Also, do any of you have any experiences of supporting people with dyspraxia?  Any tips or recommendations gratefully received!

Thank you

-- 

Caroline Moughton

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Co-ordinator  (ASA, CA, EFM and LR) and

Staff Disability Adviser

L 3.12, Library, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane Campus, Oxford OX3 0BP

01865 483148    [log in to unmask]