University survey reveals challenges facing students with Dyspraxia in National Awareness Week 5 – 12 November 2011
Originally published by LDDA - The Liberal Democrat Disability Association
Results from the firstDyspraxiaFoundation survey for Awareness Week 2011 on University life has revealed the majority of students face increased challenges.
The survey asked prospective and current students and their families on how they cope with the challenge of applying for university and life as an undergraduate. Results from the survey showed the major of students faced major difficulties in organising their work. Findings from the survey showed over 60 % of students who replied had organisational difficulties and 55% of respondents cited social problems.
In the survey many described how difficult the transition was from sixth form education into university. Some described the change as overwhelming in the move to more independent study and living. Support from universities showed large variations with some having excellent systems in place whilst others took a few months to put the right support in place.
Chair of theDyspraxiaFoundation charity which helps 10,000 families a yearSally Paynesaid:" This survey has highlighted the wide range of problems dyspraxic students have. Results show the quality of support varies greatly across university from the start of the application process throughout their life as an undergraduate.
"It has shown the difficulties with organizing daily life, study, presenting work extend to social areas such as meeting new friends and feeling isolated. One strong finding that has come through is that diagnosis of dyspraxia before university can help put the right support in place. We are urging all potential students to get assessed if they believe they have symptoms.
Further work will now be done to analyse these initial research findings and they will be passed onto UCAS and the Department for Education.
The Dyspraxia Foundation has produced guidelines on further education available on the website which can help make life easier. Statistically, it is likely that there are two children in every class of 30 children with dyspraxia and there are many adults who are unaware that they have the condition.