The Lived Experience of Dyspraxia: Challenging Ableism and Embracing Neurodiversity

This commentary aims to shift the understanding of dyspraxia from a purely medical perspective to a social model, centring the living experiences of dyspraxic individuals as experts and advocating for their full inclusion in society. Dyspraxia's causes are debated, ranging from a pathological view emphasizing motor and speech deficits and reduced quality of life, to a social model focusing on societal barriers and masking behaviours. However, this commentary argues that the medical model's focus on aetiology and cure, which positions dyspraxic individuals as passive recipients, is insufficient. Instead, we contend that societal barriers and the pressure to mask dyspraxic behaviours significantly hinder participation. Therefore, we recommend a collaborative approach that partners professionals, academics, and dyspraxic individuals as allies, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment to promote social justice. Ultimately, this analysis positions dyspraxia as a form of neurodivergence within natural neurodiversity, akin to autism or attention dysregulation hyperactivity development, further emphasizing the need for inclusive environments.