Special needs awareness

For ten years I had been working for the University Of Wolverhampton, it was great to raise learning disability and mental health awareness to students professionals such as the Learning Disability nurses, social workers, paramedics, occupational therapists etc. As a Visiting Lecturer. Dyspraxia needs to be taken very serious as it is a physical hidden learning difficulty that is not noticeable, which is why it is a hard condition to understand. It is not illness or disease, it is long -life condition that affects people’s lives mentally as well physically. It can be linked to Autism. However’ with the life time conditions being such a hidden learning difficulty, it is understandable why it can be hard for others to take seriously. Where people with Dyspraxia can be misunderstood as clumsy, spill ing something on purpose etc; for example but all the same people with Dyspraxia need to be understood. No one can really tell unless they spend a lot of time with the person, unless they know Chapter one Interducing myself as a person and writer. Interducing the purpose of this writing. The idea behind the story is to introduce as much of life as person past and present as I am as possible, my learning disability, mental illness and my career, which is mostly based on my life experience. Also, to try help, students, workers and or more who involved in the field and people who face disabilities, mental illnesses and more. I have written this piece of work for those interested in the field of learning disability, mental health and other problems as well as for who face them themselves, and people who them, teach them support them care for them etc. No one can be forced to be interested in something if they are not but do get me wrong no one can be liked from everyone, I understand that but when it comes to learning disability etc, there is a lot of misunderstanding and unawareness. I think learning disability, mental health and all problems awareness needs to be raised, meaning for example; conditions, illnesses, diseases and more, which should be raised in schools, colleges, universities, workplaces and more. or It would interesting to what is like in other countries as far.  https://www.open.ac.uk/health-and-social-care/research/shld/timeline-learning-disability-history A lot of long stay hospitals, resident homes etc closed roughly from 2007 to 2010 in the UK. In past to other people, people with disabilities seemed different to them. They were labeled, treated like babies and children even when they were adults. People used words like mentally handicapped instead of disabled, such other words as sub normal, mental, backward, eternal, a menace to society or and a burden to society. Over centuries, years, decades etc, there has never been a balance between support and independence, mostly it had been all or nothing. Most people have been neglected or support tends happen when it is too late they do not need it or someone is around all the time but again I am not saying this is the case with everyone. Attitudes have been getting better in the last so many years but we still have a long way to go. People who are not disabled were viewed as normal but what normal at the end of the day? Everyone is a human being. https://langdondownmuseum.org.uk/the-history-of-learning-disability/social-history-of-learning-disability/ https://lx.iriss.org.uk/sites/default/files/resources/NES_Unit3.pdf People were in institutions had no or very little contact with the outside world. This had a very big affect on people’s lives. I guess a lot people would have suffered with Anxiety and Depression. People with disabilities were misunderstood very much a lot for those who they are not  as others thought they were in sane or mad. Even today there is a lack of awareness from society about disability, mental health and other problems. Society did not have confidence in people. We were treated unequally and we felt as if we were not part of society. Today society is starting to learn about learning disability and mental health. Most disabled people in those times begged for food and money off the streets. In Victorian times in the 1800s the 19th century were thought about as cripple, handicap, freaks, etc. Living conditions were hard for everyone in those times but disabled people struggled to look after themselves where they treated like babies and children or neglected. Most disabled people were in industrial ares, with say widows, orphans, alcoholics. Other people with disabilities were put in poorhouses or almshouses. In 19th century, the treatment for mental health was cure, incerlating and shocking. Some asylums were poor cared for in institutions with a lack of compassion. Disabled people were treated in the abbey a type of church and hospitals, they were made to say prayers and other religious things. people who faced Mania, dementia, melancholy, relapsing mania, hysterical, and idiocy, liege normally misunderstood, seen etc as drunk in the eyes and mind of society. In the middle age, it is believed that mental illness was used in religion. Negative attitudes were around the 18th century onwards in American, leading sigma towards those with mental illnesses. Warehouses we’re responsible for disabled people too. I guess the way society was back then it would have caused those facing disabilities, mental illness and other problems a lot of misunderstandings with others. Where society back then didn’t have confidence in those who were slow to work, react, response, etc.   Different types of disabilities. Muscular dystrophy is when the person weaken gradually in limit of time. It seems to common more so in boys that girls. https://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/ Spinnaker bifida can happen during pregnancy when Spinoza cord (nerves run down the spine), which is a physical disability. This can affect movement and balance, bowel and bladder control. It affects bones and joints deformities that affect people’s’ movements. Hydrocephalus ( high pressure on the brain because of the fluid not being drained away.) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/spina-bifida/ Cerebral Palsy happens during pregnancy. It is mental and physical disability affecting the mind or and body. The brain controls the movement in early stages of development. Almost like forms Autism but probably in different ways. https://kinectdcpstudy.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxuCnBhDLARIsAB-cq1rFzQ1vLOw_g_Wxvi2Yp4BeV7Hv24sTtyjoA7CdUXKgGLn7UXAyvxAaAvXREALw_wcB Information more on disabilities adultproction.org.Uk WWW.Mencap.org.uk community.care.co.uk  Chapter four Interduction to Autism. Autism is a long - life condition, which mostly links with the mental illness Anxiety and Depression. Most of us with Autism have learning disabilities, social interactions and communication problems. We might find it hard to not let things get to us.  https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/ https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/application/files/8315/4142/8187/Autism_Spectrum_Disorders_ASD.pdf https://sparkforautism.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=how%20is%20autism%20caused&utm_campaign=&utm_content=648201310721&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxuCnBhDLARIsAB-cq1oxdrrVZdF1nl5j_ztnzvh04MIMkJdR2Fh6MS7XH8YB6SUGt-sfSAkaAt1gEALw_wcB  Causes of Autism. Cause Autism is unknown yet in my case I was born lack of oxygen to the brain. I guess in the late 20th century to the early 21st century, it was reported on the news about the MMR vaccines, if anyone remembers that, the risks and concerns that it could cause Autism, to protect German meseases/ rubella. Yet did not see a learning disability as I thought as Autism as a side - affect from a injection, I found that hard to understand but maybe you have your own views. I thought if this study is right it is likely to cause autism spectrum rather than Asperger, not sure why I thought that. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/what-is-autism/ https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center/vaccines-and-other-conditions/vaccines-autism https://www.thevillarifirm.com/2020/11/can-birth-injury-cause-autism-here-s-how-the-two/ https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism/the-causes-of-autism https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/autism/index.cfm I admit this study is probably wrong but going by my Mother and experience, I was born lack of oxygen because my Mum was neglected, where she had me before help came to deliver me. Therefore’ I was born too quickly and I was fitting but despite of that my weight was fine, I was 7lb 6 born. There are probably other causes, which I am looking into. https://www.dh-attorneys.com/blog/2020/january/genetic-tests-reveal-cause-of-seizure-disorder-i/ Autism affects different people different ways. It may depend on the of Autism or and the person within themselves. Even two people with Same problems as odd as it sounds do not always face the difficulties and strengths. Except the unexpected. Sure may know this but people disabilities so have strengths etc, as they was a time when society people with disabilities having all weaknesses no strengths. We have strengths and weaknesses in different ways like other like other people but naturally not the same to one another. Try support people through their difficulties but take interest in what they are good at well, to encourage them to see that life is worth living in the positive way they have, and no one can do everything. I guess what the world trying to understand is, what causes Autism and many hidden disabilities and more. If. I am right most people with Autism, find it hard to explain what they are trying to tell people, which part communicating, people with Autism can struggle, it can affect us socially. We can lack communication and understanding. There can be misunderstandings between us and others. It can make us feel as if we haven’t got any control over our lives, we have or haven’t. If we don’t have a great of choice and control over our lives, this does not help us to be independent, yet support is not always around when we need it, needs to balanced. We may struggle with managing money but support for most of us is very little support with home ,benefits etc. Not sure what it is like by you but services are few and far in between in West Midlands or and Wolverhampton., funding seems to be cut a lot for Autism and other services for vulnerable people, children and adults.  With Autism there are two forms or used to be ( ASD) Autism Spectrum and Asperger Syndrome . (AS). Levels of Autism. ADS comes in three different levels, Autism affects people can vary where they face of these difficulties, one or just a few. Level one struggles with communicating with people which can vary to friends, family, relationships even professionals in their lives even all sorts of people. Struggling to manage social skills, lack of communication and understanding between them and others where always the person with Autism has misunderstood the other person but the way round, which maybe in some cases, which happen work, school, college, home etc, in some or and all walks of life. We May spend a lot of time alone. We may find it hard to understand people’s feelings and thoughts but the person may over come the older they get. We may behave in a strange manner others may find odd. We may find it had to make friends. We may have poor eye contact. Level 2 difficulty with basic living skills, money, shopping, home skills, study, work, traveling and more, they need support in those areas.  Traveling, Level three is outside difficulties and support , for example getting themselves out and about but in some cases may have strengths as well as weaknesses where they may know their way round locally to them but not far a away from them, mainly if it is somewhere they have not been before but this may vary. However’ it may be if they go somewhere not necessary every day but regularly they may pick it up, it may take some people longer than others. My experience with the outside world is it been overwhelming and crowded with people and places where there no one to ask for help if I need it, mainly in airports for example. Airports can be very busy. Information find where your gate to your plane flashes on and off far too quickly. This cause people a lot of Anxiety, where they could miss important information. Where they may struggle to get to where they are going whether it is going or coming back from somewhere. Little support is still given airports and on the plane well but it has improved to what it was but we still have a long way to go. Not many people with disabilities drive, me included. Most of us are having to rely on public transport. Not everyone like me is lucky to be bus independent but there only a limit of places I can go. Some people need support with money. Night time seems to be a dangerous time as support workers do not work at night and we should not except them to either. However’ people with disabilities should have rights to choices as much as anyone, even though some are one of the lucky ones like me but that does not mean do not look out for others. This is not only difficult for me but for others too, mainly those similar to me. For example; woke up to find on the news, if I have not misunderstood about all if not most railway ticket offices are closing. The change will be if I am right ordering our tickets online, where not everyone knows how, mainly vunable people such as the disabled and elderly people. It's understandable that there cannot be IT courses in everything no one knows completely everything IT, however' I understand there maybe some positives as well negative the change where most people face positives and negatives, other may say one or the other, feel free to tell your views, experience etc, which may you or and someone you support, care for etc. However if you are commenting on be half of someone, make sure have their permission, if they say no or say one or the other do not-comment on their behalf. In the west Midlands, the disabled people have three disabled bus passes and we can travel by rail, bus and tram around the West Midland but no further. I am sure how pension bus passes work. In the week we can travel three from half past night, Saturday all day, not sure about other parts of the UK though. It is not possible to suit everyone's needs but accessibly needs to improve, the only way to learn that is find out from those who face the difficulties. This is example other things too such as most shops that self service, cash machines etc most people may struggle. We understand privacy, such as naturally PIN numbers etc are private but not everyone can manage everything on there. What the difference between Between autism spectrum and Asperger syndrome, what is the same? As confusing as this sounds that (AS) and (ADS) are not these days classed as separate forms of Autism anymore, which understandably throws everyone even me. Your question and my question in too, not if I am right or wrong you are thinking same, which is. How is that, it makes no sense.  You would be right to do so makes no sense at all but if but I guess maybe when we get used to how it is set out, it may be less confusing. A page or few pages ago, I wrote about different levels of Autism, which is the way someone somewhere has changed the way of explaining with Autism is, why that is I have no ideas and not if anyone knows why but sure may have good reasons to do it this way. All the same (As) and (ADs) have own differences and parts of form Autism that causes the problems. Therefore’ there is very little or difference between the forms of Autism, which now is considered as one big developmental disorder. (ASD) compared to( AS) face milder speech problems but that may vary to be honest. For both forms difficulty with communication with society, we find it hard in different ways to one another, difficulty with social imagination. By a guess I have (AS), I have motor skills and gripping problems, poor co-oration, I struggle with my strength which is known as Dyspraxia, which is linked to Autism. It is not shown, in fact it is very hidden, which makes it very hard for a person to prove themselves, unless others spend a lot time with them, which is not always possible. However’ they say (ASD) people do not appear to having learning disabilities, again sorry are confused on that one because I am? The answer is we do have learning disabilities though, which is hidden, classed more of learning difficulties, which conditions can be linked, it maybe one some or all such dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD etc, which may linked to mental illnesses such as Anxiety and or Depression. Communication, little language, speaking in the same tone, unable to understand facial expressions, mixing words up like you and I, repeating what others say. Movements, flapping hands, rocking, twirling toes, talking about and repeating the same topic, which vary to how long they talk about something for to when that changes to when the next topic lasts for so for, having fixed routines, upset and anxious by change, may appear nervous even if the change positive, sensitive to sound, smells, taste, etc; misunderstanding people’s’ thoughts, feelings, actions etc. Asperger syndrome (AS) comes under Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS). They both cause social interaction but (ASD) does not cause people struggle with thinking and language problems both (AS) and ASD) behavior and relationships problems around people in general, mainly from my experience if I do not know them. Even though I have not been diagnosed by a health professional, my family have learned what I have faced and what I have been through with my problems, strengths as well weaknesses, reading book, films etc on Autism etc. In some ways people with LD are their own health professionals in many ways of every day lives because we have to live with the problems. Dyslexia can also link to Autism so what is the difference between Dyslexia and Dyspraxia? They are so similar it is hard to whether you can have both or not but then there is an easy way to work it out. Dyslexia is all to do with reading and writing but before I go on, never say a person can’t read and write when they dyslexia, that is not so to put politely, we just face difficulties with reading, writing along the way, for example; mixing up bs and d.s., spelling words, writing numbers the wrong way round, 23, 32, bad, dad. Dyspraxia can be similar but with more added on, such as untidy handwriting, Pressing too hard on pens and pencils, struggling to grip. Dyspraxia affects every day skills mentally as well as physically whereas Dyspraxia doesn’t affect a person physically only mentally. However’ both have positives in creative ways, which people are talented in different ways.  Therefore, how did (ASD) and (AS) come about in the first place? (AS) was discovered by Han Asperger in 1944.He was doing studies in Autism with Lora Wing 1981, me and family knew nothing, I was eleven years of age. He gave he gave the development condition a form of Asperger Syndrome. en.n.Wikipedia.org History of Asperger Syndrome. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism/the-history-of-autism/asperger-syndrome Since then support has come in place but we still have a long way to go. More than fifty years ago, Leo Kenner described his his Autistic syndrome but a German psychiatrist named Eurgen Bleuler described the most severe cases of child hood Autism as Schizophrenia. https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/evolution-autism-diagnosis-explained/ Leo classed Autism as a pattern of ad normal behavior back in 1943. DR Jean Marc Gasped Iraq was a French physician. She discovered a boy who was afraid and neglected in a forest. He could not speak, he was deaf and he rocked a lot. This was in the 1800s. There were famous writers who had autism such as Hans Christian Anderson children’s writer , Lewis Carol children ‘s writer Charles Darwin naturalist and geologist, Emily Dickinson poet, Albert Einstein scientist and mathematician, Thomas Jettison Politician. Research famous people with disabilities and other problems for example; Han Christian Anderson was born in Denmark 2nd April 1805. His Father was a shoe maker and him Mother was a housewife. He was an only child, had great imagination with his toys and he was a great children’s’ fairly tale writer.  (AS) Level one or (ADs) may struggle to understand rules of socializing, friendship etc. We may struggle to express empathy towards others. Research says that children for example; tend to take things literacy like such saying as break a leg,which sayings like that can throw people all ages but not always the case depending on the person, problems etc which can vary from person to person. They may not be aware for example; someone or group of peoples’ chat where they could bring in a different subject into the chat which could make them misunderstood but other people may not realize that and think they are inter fearing on purpose. They come into the chat invited without thinking to find out if they are welcome or not but on the whole it would be untenstionly, which take a while to realize or understand others if they make us aware. It is understandable that others may misunderstand us and we should not except to be treated any different to anyone mainly when people do not us, we should not except special treatment or anything but Autism awareness should carry on being raised all the same. They may have one topic that really interest them, not necessarily topic but they talk a lot about hobby, pop star for example; none stop without realizing others want to talk about other things too. Positive’s about Autism. Autism can be creative, talented, even poetic, in different people in ways. We can express good and bad in creatively and life around us, writing, drawing, coloring, painting, how we think, feel etc.  Chapter five Employment and education. In my life and I believe I am not alone, I found most employers do not understand learning disability, mental illness or and other problems. Not everyone takes notice of the disability discrimination act in the UK, not sure about other countries. Again better was now but we still have a long way to go, still life goes on. We are still health and safety hazard to lot of employers, not that I am saying that is wrong to protect our safety but there still should be ways of us having a career like other people, with right tools and support of course that cost money that UK government just hasn’t got, without making the country worse off, I would interested how this works for other countries, surely we are not alone. We need the right support to keep healthy and safe to work in our limits of our disabilities, mental illness and other conditions, problems and more. Employers, trainers and the government etc ; need learning disability and mental health awareness training. Not everyone can work IT, the internet etc but not everyone can manage factory work either . In my youth for example the government would put you just anywhere with or any, very little support to get us doing something, I no problem doing what I could do or learn to do, which was not a lot to start with. Six weeks training on YTS for example wasn’t enough time for me to learn a job, where they ended up getting rid of me, cause they just did not have the patience. I guess when I think about it now some reasons in some things I tried, which weren’t to be, was the field I was in and others were the people. At the time, because I was very young, I just got frustrated where everything was trying was not a success but I could not see the wood through the trees. I tried elderly people’s homes, Day centers, supermarkets, a shop a hospice, riding stable’s with other animals as well as horses and ponies, the library which like the work and the people, which was a living in job. I did and passed my stable management exams, I tried to pick on what I did not do good at in schools English, maths etc. On the other hand I was put in some fields not for me, even then I weren’t in the right fields and places. My Mother lives in New York and they go by what people are capable of and what they take interest in and they can learn and train for. However’ things did improve for me as time went like working Men-cap I enjoyed, raising awareness of disability and mental health, Advocate, speaking up for disability and mental health. This gave me experience of working in Advocacy groups. I learned how present information in power point, passed my ITQ level in Microsoft Office 2007, in power point and word processing, ITQ Level two internet and email. It taught me to give talks to student professors such as learning disability, mental health nurses, social workers, paramedics and more as Visiting Lecturer. I have also been a private Advocacy for what was One Voice, Wolverhampton. Interdiction to Advocacy skills GATACS2014 (Generic Advocacy Training and Consultancy Services) qualification. Suggesting options to people with disabilities on matters that bother then or need help with. Example; benefits, getting a disability bus pass etc. Volunteer trainee Teaching Assistant Penn Hall special day school. Malt-ins Day Centre Wolverhampton for Elderly and Disabled people. Work, making hot and cold drinks. Key skills PowerPoint, chairing minutes of meetings, supporting disabled people to chair meetings, communication, time management and IT skills. Highest English qualification, English Function skills Level one. Interduction to Mentoring skills, Level one and two Mentoring. The government spends money on the wrong things. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. The benefits system has always been a mess, there a lot people on benefits who should not be as well those who are on them for good reasons. Most of one’s who should not could work but do not want to yet the ones who are on them for good reasons want to work. If you are involved learning disability and mental health, whether you are someone who faces disability, mental illness or and other problems, illnesses conditions etc or and you are a parent, partner, family member, friends, support worker, carer, nurse, school staff, children, teenagers, young adults ; etc who support and doctor, paramedic, teacher, tutor, lecturer, employer office, etc, my email is sarajgorman@gmail.com if you wish to get touch, on anything you may have read what I have written or and maybe you have in my lectures at the University Of Wolverhampton or involved in work I have done for Men-cap or anywhere else in the disability and health field etc. I lecture things, like accessible information, easy read we need to avoid too much jargon etc, you may need thing like Brail for the blind sign language courses to help you support . The could be more. You need to balance what they person might have done already, what they want to, what they can do and even what they want to learn to do. Consider health and safe as well qualifications they have and what they need in what they want to do. Careers for disabilities. Eg; creative jobs, such as writers, artists, poets band more; mentoring, coaching, counseling, Advocacy, , office, Administrative etc is likely to be for people with physical conditions, disabilities etc. Those who haven’t got physical disabilities, conditions etc, maybe shop work, cleaning, building, gardening etc. https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/career-and-job-support-for-people-with-a-disability Google search for example; jobs for people with Autism. Course search tips, animal care courses for people with autism. Chapter six Dyspraxia awareness. For ten years I had been working for the University Of Wolverhampton, it was great to raise learning disability and mental health awareness to students professionals such as the Learning Disability nurses, social workers, paramedics, occupational therapists etc. As a Visiting Lecturer. Dyspraxia needs to be taken very serious as it is a physical hidden learning difficulty that is not noticeable, which is why it is a hard condition to understand. It is not illness or disease, it is long -life condition that affects people’s lives mentally as well physically. It can be linked to Autism. However’ with the life time conditions being such a hidden learning difficulty, it is understandable why it can be hard for others to take seriously. Where people with Dyspraxia can be misunderstood as clumsy, spill ing something on purpose etc; for example but all the same people with Dyspraxia need to be understood. No one can really tell unless they spend a lot of time with the person, unless they know them really well like family etc. Dyspraxia is caused by a brain injury or a stroke, in fact it is similar to a stroke where one side of the body and brain is weaker that the other. In my case it is my left hand side but some may be affected on their right hand side. It can slow people down doing physical skills such as sewing, sport, cooking, housework, even shopping, carrying, lifting, cleaning teeth, tying shoes laces and more. Mentally it affects reading and writing in the same way as Dyslexia where other conditions link such Dyscalculia https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-dyscalculia https://study.com/academy/lesson/dysgraphia-math-difficulties-accommodations.html It does not stop people living their own life or learning with the right support, but on the positive side they can be creative, different people in different ways. However’ it is important to except anything from anyone because there different forms of Dyspraxia.WWWhttps://exceptionalindividuals.com/about-us/blog/what-are-the-three-types-of-dyspraxia/ https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/blog/signs-and-symptoms-of-dyspraxia https://www.dyspraxia.ie/Adults-with-Dyspraxia-DCD Motor skills difficulties, for eg dressing, cleaning teeth, cutting fingers and toe’s nails , chopping up vegetables and more. Verbal impact speech difficulties such as stuttering, may be speaking too loud, quiet etc. Oral difficulties moving the mouth and tongue, keeping month and teeth clean, gripping the toothbrush correctly etc. To be fair over the years dental hygiene has slightly improved to what it where such toothbrushes as electronic toothbrushes have been around for years. In fact, I had one for my twenty - first just over thirty years ago. Since then has been such tools as water picks etc. Looking at the research of forms dyspraxia, I cannot see you can face one or the as I face motor skills problems, I stuffer with my speech at times and I may talk too loud or quiet at times, I do not notice but others do. In my case this is because, which maybe too my dyspraxia. My Mum noticed a lump when I was say four seven years of age, little did we know it was a lump because it was only a size of a pea. Mum noticed not me because I felt nothing there to bother me at all. My Mum took me to the GP at time, he/she said, can’t remember but anyway they said it best left alone, it is probably a cystic. At the age of twenty - three I was doing work experience in an elderly peoples’ home, l was on my lunch break in the staff room, the cook had over cooked the strew, I was struggling to swallow and felt the lump getting bigger. I was living Owstely in Shropshire at the time, I shared flat with two young women my age at the time with learning disabilities and we both had the same support workers from social services and one the support workers took me to gps. It was 1992, I had my first operation December 6th of that year, the home Christmas, had my first hospital appointment in the new year, they told me and, my Mum it was a cancerous lump does not spread but I have to limp glands out, then fifteen days of radiotherapy, where I felt more I’ll with the treatment than the cancer thankfully I came out of it. Since having had that operation, due scar tissue at times food, drink tends to the wrong way at times, which can tend to cough and choke but it is not every time I eat and drink.  Dyspraxia study. Ben is seven years old who was diagnosed by a an Occupational Therapist. This was a written report that outlined Ben’s condition. He was struggling with physical skills like doing up his buttons, tying his shoe laces and more. Ben’s Mum is concerned because only she knows his struggles. Ben worries in case people think he is stupid if he asks others for help a lot. A lot of people are offering support in areas he can cope with rather than cannot, which what is concerning his Mum. Ben can read and write but he not remember or understand what he’s read, he needs support aids, easy read, accessible information, clear for all. He has Autism as well. What sort of help does Ben need? What I have written in the text is just examples of support, maybe you can research online, the library etc. What is concerning Ben’s Mum and why? Therefore, you may be wondering, what does Dyspraxia have to do with Saliva gland cancer ? That is understandable. To be honest nothing really, do not to face Dyspraxia to face Saliva glad cancer. However’ me and family are not sure how long I had the lump before my Mum discovered it at the age of seven but I have always struggled with my month eating, swallowing etc anyway with my month and tongue, whereas the lump was inside my throat but all the same they all add up and make you wonder whether not both problems started during while I was born. Therefore, I am not only speaking for me but for others who may have faced the same if not similar. Due to the amount of difficulties people face with Dyspraxia, it causes us a huge amount of Anxiety and Depression, which we can get frustrated with what we do struggle, which where of right tools, aids, support etc needs to be around. This could also mean mental health support and for people all ages needing to know why they struggle. Those who do not know they face Dyspraxia, funding needs to go into assessments, Diagnosis’s and the support they do need. Also training and qualifying, those who want be physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist, which is what could have done with from childhood and plenty other people who have always faced Dyspraxia and other conditions etc. I just hope today’s generation and others to come get better support. On the positive side people with Dyspraxia can be creative in some areas of IT but not others. Saying that I have found that there have not been many IT courses. Mind you the Covid lockdown did not help as everything was limited. I can only speak for myself and my strengths, which is power point, word processing, creative writing, drawing, painting etc, which are likely to be different for different people.  Dyslexia awareness. When most people talk about Dyslexia, they think people with Dyslexia cannot read and write, that is not the case. We just have difficulties along the way, which may be for letters the wrong way round for eg; bad, dad, same with say numbers 23, 32. Some may get there left and right mixed up. Get confused with bs and ds for example; even psychologists and qs. Miss words out of sentences. Struggle to understand what they have read. When they read small print may feel to them as if words are jumping off the page screen etc. They may not remember what they read or and they may have only remembered some of what they have read not all, the same with listening too. These days with so much IT most people watch a lot of videos etc, wouldn’t it be interesting to know how much one can take from watching a video or tv say compared to listening to someone directly talking to you face to face? How much can you pick up? Some people’s” concentration gets affected easily, like mine, such nosies off IT devices, door knocks, a lot of people talking etc, not that I am complaining as these things have to happen at times but this how certain learning difficulties etc affect people. For most people it can be a struggle for them to read a whole book and that is one of my problems too. Although I read just a few whole books but I forgotten which ones I did read and what they were about. Sometimes I tend to review books write when I am reading and research. Even those who can’t read and write have knowledge, tell stories etc. Never judge a book by it’s cover. Similar to Dyspraxia, Dyslexia has positives such as being creative and talented in different ways, maybe in other areas too. https://exceptionalindividuals.com/jobs-for-dyslexics/  How can you support people with Dyslexia? Before I do anything as a person who has faced Dyslexia from my experience, assessments by checking people’s strengths and weaknesses. supporting though study and work-placements; extra time in exams, at least up to half hour. accessible studying and exam materials, like colored paper, large print, different colored over layers, certain size font easy for them to read etc. Always ask the person what is accessible for them to start with.   The difference between and if not the same. I bet wonder what I am talking about, well writing about when I call the title difference between, I bet you wonder what I mean. That is very understandable you may be thinking. What does she mean by The difference and the same. Well you may have noticed I have written about some disabilities, difficulties, conditions etc, pretty similar if not the same to one another so this is what I am going to cover in this chapter. Let me start with the differences and same between and in Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. Research says that Dyslexia used to be a learning difficulty that causes people to struggle reading ,writing, spelling but that will always be the case I guess nothing had changed there because I think I have that all my life and I sure I not alone. However’ as I said earlier that does not mean the person cannot read at all, it is just difficulties along the way. Even those who can’t read and write thinks as much as those can read and write, they have knowledge and things to say and stories to tell. We not should not judge a book by its cover. To be truthful I am uncertain whether or not I have Dyslexia as well as Dyspraxia even I was Diagnosed twice for Dyslexia, maybe three times but never for Dyspraxia, even those I have struggled with taking in what I have read, struggling with reading certain words and spelling certain words; motor skills meaning physical skills so I guess I do have both but whether or professionals etc see it that way I don’t know. By own experience I cannot help but sum up what it maybe like for others as well. Not sure whether is possible to have Dyslexia and Dyspraxia or you can just have one or the other. I guess so because I think I have always had both. You may think if I have been diagnosed for Dyslexia three times and it came up that I am, that I must and yes I believe I must be. The reason why I said I am uncertain is because Dyslexia and Dyspraxia are so similar as far as reading and writing is concerned. If you have got both it can be hard to tell which reading, writing etc, which is dyslexia which is dyspraxia. What I forgot to write about in the last chapter is memory, here’s an example. Going back to forty odd years ago when I was in school, when I was only say seven and eight, I have forgotten that day. I was in handwriting lessons. The teacher told us to miss a line between the date and title, then miss a line the title before we carried on writing.Naughty me forget all that as far as the teacher was concerned. All because of that as she was looking at my work, she slapped the ruler across the back of my legs.  This was in a special school Going by that experience I do not have any hard feelings for what she did, that was the generation at the time. Despite of that going by today’s standards, she should not been allowed to what she did but maybe she did have she did because she had to at the time because no one really understood disabilities, difficulties etc but then again that could have been anyone who forgotten to do as she said, it so happened I was the child who forgot. I guess there maybe a lot of people who may it as it was abuse in today’s world. I will honest to say I don’t think in the way I see it now in the she must have saw if. I guess her intentions were punish me to remember next time to miss the lines when I was told to, not abuse me. However’ I do agree, there are worse things I could very well have done to deserve the punishment I had, not that I was a perfect child because no one is. I do not blame her because I think she was following the system at the time, which in most thing weren’t necessary unfair but there were worse things to be punished for, which back then minor and major things no one got away with on the whole. Before I change the subject, I maybe wrong this but maybe the easiest way to tell the difference between Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, is the motor skills problems being Dyspraxia and the reading and writing problem but not necessarily, you would think it would be the case but not sure it is as simple as that Sorry this is confusing isn’t it? However would adds up to this Dyspraxia can cause the problem with gripping, incudes gripping pens and pencils for example. When I was in school I did not know had Dyspraxia neither did anyone else. However’ everyone knew me or most people and myself knew what was then clumsy, that i broke things etc. Back relations from others was like punishment, which like to me at the time, but it was very understandable in one way. When I used to write and I even the same today example, without meaning to I press to hard on the paper. Teachers always wondered I guess why I was sharpening pencils at the desk every five minutes lol, as easily broke them without meaning to. Just May you have worked the same and different between the two learning difficulties that sound the same but different, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, maybe I have explained some not, look and see if a link written by someone else helps. https://www.readandspell.com/difference-between-dyslexia-and-dyspraxia The differences between dyscalculia and dysgraphia, is there anything the same one another? Dyscalculia is a mathematical learning difficulty similar to Dyslexia but causes a lot more Anxiety, which I face myself. where for me I cannot really work out maths in my head. I have use my fingers, calculator, cubes when I was a child etc, then most of my maths were wrong answers. But Again back then I didn’t know what the problem was neither did others who knew me but what we did know, we didn’t understand why I couldn’t learn like other people. I know I wasn’t the only one struggling with this but I didn’t realize that at the time, I thought I was different to everyone and without trying to play on sympathy and attention, I felt as life wasn’t living at times but these as I am learning what my problems are, I am learning to accept the support I need, I don’t feel like the stupid one anymore. I have learned over the years now I just slower than other people and I am not alone as I thought I was. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/math-anxiety-vs-dyscalculia-compare-the-signs?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=dyscalculia&utm_campaign=EN_Dyscalculia_EJ&gbraid=0AAAAAD-LTGLOEEBhbF4sxAEGqjym2Go9Z&gclid=CjwKCAjwjOunBhB4EiwA94JWsCK93GIOnTEd8xrdcFX3vU8cD3a502_F2X9uK6dqR0SdDL6QHn1FPRoCaF0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds What is Dysgraphia? Dysgraphia is a handwriting difficulty and disability, where they struggle to keep writing neat and tidy, where they lined paper with margins on. https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/conditions/dysgraphia https://www.sparklearningedu.com/dysgraphia-dyscalculia https://civilservice.blog.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/86/2020/03/Dyslexia-Dyspraxia-Dyscalculia-and-Dysgraphia-Line-Manager-Toolkit.pdf The difference between the two learning difficulties is dyscalculia is a mathematical learning difficulty and dysgraphia is a handwriting learning difficulty, unless you see anything same on the websites I don’t see anything the same.  Next up, difference the same if any between mental health and mental illness. These two differences I think are rather simple least I think so. we cannot be happy all the time and we can’t be sad all the time.https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/q-and-a/whats-the-difference-between-mental-health-and-mental-illness Don’t get me wrong it doesn’t mean we all face Mental illness but we all go through length of time of spells of happiness and sadness, meaning mental health is positive for us if or when we have a spell happiness for a certain length, if or and when a spell of sadness for a certain length of time. It is not always the case that something is bothering us, in some of us, we can go through spells of feeling negative for no reason, which ever way should not be judged. It all comes down to how we think, feel, behave, react and even interact etc to life around us. When it comes to reasons why we think, feel, behave, react, interact etc, if it is negative, is something that is bothering us, like money problems, full outs, break ups with those know, death of those we know, bullying, abuse and more. Not saying everyone does this but for even who those us who do, are not saying it is right but when in moment of a crisis, it is easy for most of us to be driven to make the wrong choice like drinking a lot, smoking a lot, drugs etc. If you are concerned something maybe bothering someone Never tell someone to stop or start doing something but tell them what is likely to happened if they do or don’t do what they decide to do or and don’t do, it is down to them to decide. However’ don’t get me wrong, it is fine to let them know you are for them if they wish to talk but let the choice be theirs and hopefully they will do the same for you. We all human we are right all the time and we are not wrong all the time either. They may talk to you today, tomorrow, next week, next year or not at all, whichever they know you have offered. They may even talk to someone else but please do not question if they talking someone else unless you one another really well you know they not mind you asking that, or even though it will a good thing if they, if they wish to tell you that is their choice, if it is your choice. However’ it is concerning for those who don’t or struggle to open up but at the same time. You to respect their wishes and privacy, if they decide to open up to you, they will let you but if you need raise health, safety and concern only tell those are trained and qualified to deal with and let the person know why you need raise that concern to where or and who. If they haven’t come to you for a chat if something is bothering them, please do not take it personally, some things maybe private to them, they may afraid of your reaction even though you know you wouldn’t judge them, that may be hard for them to know unless you know each other really well, respect their privacy, not a word to anyone unless your concerned about their health and safety, even then only tell if they feel they can’t to those work for services etc who can help, Maybe families etc, only if the person wants you to anymore else and only tell who they allow you to. Before we look at types of support let’s look at types of mental illnesses you may be able to learn about Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar which is a type of depression , Borderline Personality, schizophrenia and Schizoaffective. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/ What is Anxiety? Anxiety is a feeling of panic, stress, worry, nervousness etc to a point most people over worrying, even depending how severe the person is facing even risk of heart attacks, panic attacks, strokes even deaths, it not always the case but can be. A panic attack and an epileptic fit can be very similar. Epileptic seizures do not tend to last long on the whole where as Anxiety panics attacks can tend to last up to twenty minutes on the whole, according to Google.https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/living/health/anxiety-and-epile The signs of Anxiety panic attacks and epileptic seizures understandably people may get confused with, the link I have just put should tell you why and this is, or could be. Anxiety can be a sense of fear and panic, even a sense of anger, worry or and fear, whether the person is fearing or and worrying about happens or not. Seizures and panic attacks can be similar in a sense that it can be do with the Nerva system, such as headaches, dizziness, choking, shaking, going hot and cold, pins and needles, electrical shocks etc. There can be times a person may not be aware what is going on around but it is not necessarily so that everyone faces that. There are also similar links between Anxiety, Autism and ADHD. Autism sure can cause high Anxiety and even stress levels it is most common for those who face Autism to be sensitive change and some things changing, the unexpected, built up to positive changes such as studying for exams, taking exams, driving lessons, driving tests, moving house, even leaving one country moving to another as much as even moving areas, It is not negative things their lives such as bad new that can affect people but the build up of positive as well but then passes if whatever is achieved successfully. This may-bring on meltdowns but some meltdowns can be more severe than others, which maybe caused by Autism or ADHD or and the treatment they make having such as medication, which may need to be looked into, it may be different for different people. Anxiety and ADHD are are separate problems, Anxiety is a mental illness and ADHD is developmental condition similar to Autism. However’ there is a strong link between the two. Like struggling to focus on things, insomnia which causes a lack of sleep, it is likely to affect most people’s moods, frustration, struggling to do and finish a course or task on time for example, Surely there is a link between Anxiety and seizures.certain Google researches, other years of writing this book, not everyone but in some people that Shingles can be contacted.https://www.healthcentral.com/article/shingles-and-stress  Anxiety and stress. It may depend on how something may be bothering or and worrying them. stress is the worse death risk of all. Each and every person copes with it differently. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/anxiety If or and when we worry too much the risk is that we may get depressed. Also, what is a part of Anxiety is apart of thinking to point like one’s mind is none stop chatting to one’s self or not at to a point we can’t think at-all, which is all to do with the mind, where at times we can over thinking or not at all and even over worry, where it can keep us a wake at night, which is insomnia. It is not just the negative things can be stressful but the build up of positive things too like achieving and learning, studying, exams, driving lessons, driving tests etc. Therefore what do we worrying about? For eg; Money problems , moving house, job loss, exams, and more. How do we help people get through it? Sadly we can’t help with everything because we are only trained and qualified for so much but we don’t have the same strength and weaknesses, this could be someone you work with, your manager, you could sigh post or and referral the person to services that are trained and qualified to help the person. Yes I know this is all very me saying that as due to the cost of living funding could be cut etc. This is easy to say to be honest, help and support off people you may know, friends, family etc. The difference, the same if not similar between Anxiety and ADHD. If you have Anxiety you may find it hard to focus on things but if you have ADHD you find it hard to focus most of the time but if you have both the level are high, therefore’ they are similar but the difference is if any, it may depend whether or not you are worrying a lot. You have to have Autism to have high stress levels but most people with Autism have high stress levels of Anxiety and most have ADHD. However’ it is possible for ADHD to affect people physically, mentally or both. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, it affects concentration. This is because ADHD can cause short attention span, restlessness, fidgety, being impulsive, physical and verbal behaviors, snuggling with education, employment, they may need quite a bit of support to be successful and get the work done in it’s time limits at same time as other people whether it is work, study, causes etc. The person may be very anxious or and excited. For example; an excited, we can be happy with positive things and there is no wrong in that. With ADHD it cause a person to become over excited in there reaction but there is nothing wrong in that either. Anxiousness as I said before can work in positive as negative reactions to situations. With positives it is likely to be for example; the build up of working positive things, studying, exams, driving lessons and driving tests etc. Negative and positive ways can build up a person’s stress levels in positive and negative ways, even built up of positive changes. When it is a negative experience, it could be something unexpected to them, something changing negative ways etc, which we all may need to face but exscream of the person’s reaction, if they do not want to do something or and go somewhere etc.  Help support you can offer for those who may let you try to help them. No one knows everything including me. Counseling, emotional support, medication, mindfulness, creativity therapy, talking therapy and more. https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/25036313 https://intelitalk.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwjOunBhB4EiwA94JWsBbxyTVkuQZXXJPN6LobjrAGpHRcYoeArSN6ejfNY1hgsxaQVJ9iBBoC6QAQAvD_BwE https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/psychosocial/foundations/Pages/types-anxiety.aspx Though out my childhood, I was on medication as a baby and child for Epilepsy, which was called back then called phenobarbital. It made me very hyperactive and moody, feeling sleepy and awake, high as a kite at the wrong times. I couldn’t focus on my schoolwork, I had no direction or road safety awareness back then, I was a danger zone to others and myself. Naturally back then everyone including myself who knew me thought this was just me anyway. When l was twelve to thirteen, my seizures what we would say in today’s terms back then they were called fits we’re getting less. My took me to the doctors to see whether or not I could stop taking the medication and why. I was allowed to stop taking them but as a short time went on, I started to learn and be aware of the world around whereas when I was on the medication, it was like I was in a dream world. Going by my own experience has taught me and this example of any disability, illness, conditions etc, health prossionals need to look into whether meditations are causing these sort of problems or is it part of the person’s conditions etc. Interduction to Epilepsy The person may be diagnosed by their GP, if they have a lot of seizures a lot times rather than just now and then. Seizures can start at any age for length of time, stop any length of time, they stop for life or come back, no one knows if or when. There can be difference in time to how long someone is having a seizure for to how long someone is having to be on medication for. Just because your seizures may stop for however long does not make you none Epileptic, even they never come back again, it is there in your history. It is a very strange condition where different people who face, face it differently. For eg; I was born with Epilepsy, I had seizures from birth and taken off medication when I was twelve to thirteen then I was seizure free till I was thirty - one years old till I was forty - three. what cause Epilepsy and what causes people to have seizures? Really the cause of Epilepsy is what it is. It can be a number of things like a lot of stress, tumor, electricity to the brain, chemicals etc; even if the person is worrying a lot about something, someone etc, lack sleep, even too much sleep even panic and maybe more.https://www.epilepsy.com/causes This could also be if a lot is playing on the mind such as emotional issues, which may affect other issues with their health as well mental health illness such as Money problems, house problems, moving house, falling out or and breaking up with, friends, family, partner, one the other or all three, deaths of people they know etc.  Epilepsy can be a death risk it’s self but not everyone faces it. https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/types-of-seizures.htm Seizures like most conditions, problems etc can be from mild, moderate, severe, minor, major etc. My seizures for eg; have been what used to call at the start of my life in the 70s Petty mall, most people have gram mall, chronic Tonic, there is more in the link I put on. https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/first-aid.htm  What is depression. Depression is very known illness and can be serious as well. It can be very misunderstood where others may think you being purposely moody but that is not case. It can vary from person to person where to some people it can something bothering, others it can be no reason at all, others each spell can vary from being a reason to not being reason. We can all feel down at times but if it carries on longer than necessary, it is a huge concern. Depression can make it hard for people to focus on things, even in things you are interested in, and the world around us. It affects your the way your mood, how feel, think, even how you behave, react, even interact. It is like you whole world shuts down on you and black cloud goes over you. Cases of this can vary to the person, maybe the type of Depression they face, whether or not there is a reason for feeling as they do, there is a reason whatever is bothering them, how long they may have been struggling along, if they told someone, even the support they may have received or and sorts of reasons. It is important to understand what person wants and does want is important. Whether or not and who they open up to is their choice no one else’s and they do, if they do. No matter what we think all we can do is, let them know we if are there for them if or and they want to open up to us. However’ need to let know if we are concerned about the health and safety we need make somewhere or and someone who is more trained and qualified than we are to deal with whatever that maybe. However’ some people’s crises may not as bad as other. Although’ there are concerns and risks with all types of illnesses that they make people risk to others or and their selves but it is not always necessary the case it is with every crisis a person may have or may be with every person you try to support. Each crisis I have had myself, some have not been as bad as others. I would say at five times I have felt as if I was not to make it and each time, I have been wrong. I only once took an overdose and that over the epileptic medication I was taking at the time I was twenty. If I am honest there was two reasons for that at that time, yes I did feel very to the point I felt as if life was not worth living, I honestly admit that and we’ll say my manager and my tutor at the Camnant Centre in Wales, thought I was having petty mall seizures, I was not that point got the local GP to put me back on the medication so one day when I was home for the weekend, I took the lot because I was so fed up of taking them for no reason. The most common forms of depression is major depression, major depression disorder, Chronic depression, Persistent perinatal depression, (Sad) Seasonal affective disorder. (MDD) Major depression disorder, you feel as if you have no interest in anything and anyone, where people need to be patient until the person feels themselves again but at the same time your health and safety can be concerning which may last length of time and very concerning not at all. It can very hard to know when should step in and when you shouldn’t. You aren’t always aware of someone facing this, it is not always possible if you can try to find out if the person has other people in their lives who they know if they need to, you do not need to necessarily need to know who, it is the person’s choice if they tell you or not. However’ working for a services etc, you may for example need to have the person’s next of Kim’s contact details in case of emergency. Major and Clinical depression can affect how the person feels, think and behave. This can lead to physical as well as emotional problems. A person may struggle with everyday activities and they not feel life is worth living, which is hugely concerning. Depression can cause a person to do too much of something or and not enough of something for eg; eating, drinking, sleeping, even many more. Some people may feel helpless, hopeless, useless, feeling as if they are doing something wrong all the time or and something they be or not doing, saying etc, mainly if a lot of people are making them feel that way. Some Anxiety may kick in where they worry too much that they maybe doing saying or and not enough of anything etc because others may make them think so etc. They may worry for eg; feeling as if they are not doing enough to please others, where they may overthink and worry without meaning to because a person or people maybe put pressure on them, this can run them down. Depression can drain a person’s motivation and energy, where they can feel as if they have no get up and go. Always be honest with those you support but never run those down who do open up either. Although’ advise you to praise those who do open up, it can be a struggle for person try and talk to someone, mainly if they know, even if your trustworthy, even if you work for a service where it is in everywhere these days righty so to respect patient’s, client’s privacy etc. Never judge how a person’s life is. Never tell what to do and what not to do. However’ tell them what they could or could not do, what is likely to happen if they do or do not take certain steps to whatever their situation may be on what they may talking to you about. For those who open up, it takes energy and strength with whatever they may be going through. As for those who may not we still must not judge even though it is a huge concern, there are all sorts of reasons why they may not open up and there’s every chance the person may know is themselves, if anyone does it is likely to be close friends, family etc. We can hope people do not face crises but that sadly not promised. However’ how people face them , can vary from person to person, it depends on the type of mental illness they face, if they are facing a problem for example; relationship break up. The person’s reaction may be different and how it affects them. When my ex boyfriend left me for another Woman back in 1997, where I feel nothing at all now but distorted me at the time. I had a mental breakdown. Although I hated been at home and I was out and about I struggled to socialize but I was oddly okay with people being around but not making any chat. Back in 2011, I lost my work with Mencap but this affected me completely differently to my mental breakdown where I was feeling down if I was not forcing on something, whereas With my mental breakdown, I was struggling to for-us even things I normally enjoyed.