Living Beyond the Label: Harry’s Journey with Dyspraxia

1 in 3 parents of children with special needs report hearing insensitive remarks made by adults and other children about their child. A shocking statistic showing the lack of empathy in our society for Youth with Special Needs (YwSN). In a Singaporean context, YwSNs often feel misunderstood and stigmatised just for their diagnosis. However, many believe personal stories can challenge this stigma. 

Meet Harry, a 20 year old YwSN. 

Diagnosed at 11 with dyspraxia, he always knew something about him was different. “I was horrible at sports, had horrible handwriting and had incredible difficulty in time management, planning and organisation,” said Harry. 

The time before he was diagnosed “felt like torture” to him. The lack of the motor skills to play basketball as adeptly as his friends left him ostracised from his friend groups and Physical Education (PE) classes always felt like a greater challenge for him compared to his friends. 

After being diagnosed, he was told he needed physical therapy sessions in order to improve his motor skills. At first, Harry was extremely hesitant to go for physical therapy, having a negative impression of therapy at that point in time. 

Going for his regular therapy sessions ended up being the best decisions he’s ever made. “The first step to getting better was admitting that getting help will benefit me”. By putting in the hard work, Harry was able to mitigate his condition and get better at his hand-eye coordination, motor skills, balance and spatial

Harry admits that after being diagnosed, he thought he could never live a normal life. After doing research, he realised he could live with the diagnosis and still relate to his peers around him. “I looked it up and found out Daniel Radcliffe was diagnosed with the same condition… if he can become this huge movie star, I'm sure I can live like the rest of my friends,” said Harry. 

Harry hopes that by sharing his story, he can inspire and help anyone with fears and doubts about receiving such seemingly life-altering diagnosis. “We all have things about us that make us different, just because ours is scientifically acknowledged doesn’t make mine less valid” 

Though dyspraxia cannot be cured, physical and occupational therapy can be used to help manage the condition. For more information about how to support YwSNs, visit: Special needs