Breaking Stigma

In the last decade or so, we have seen a number of celebrities come forward and speak about the special challenges, conditions, disabilities and  personal transformations that they live with.

I remember when our daughter was diagnosed with DCD (a.k.a. dyspraxia) in grade 1; it was not until grade 4 that she really became self-aware and self-conscience of what living with DCD meant for the long term and this really upset her.  However, when we explained that her dad also had DCD, and much like Howie Mandel's story to follow, grew up in a time where DCD was not formally diagnosed or even had a name, her dad was just called "slow", "clumsy", "awkward", etc.,  We went on to explain that one of her favorite movie stars at the time (girls are fickle when it comes to who their favorites are), Daniel Radcliffe a.k.a. Harry Potter, also has and lives with DCD.

By grade 5 our daughter was coming into a greater understanding of her condition and herself and even did a oral presentation in front of her entire class, with the Vice Principal in attendance, on what DCD is and what it is like to live with it.  Her acceptance of herself became challenged again in grade 6 when further formal assessments showed that she also had ADHD-inattentive type.  Even though she still struggles with the conditions, she is becoming more knowledgeable and more self-confident with the help of a fantastic school-based team, her doctors and her family.

Breaking the stigma of any disability is paramount.  Here are a couple of very interesting articles to read and share with your child.  I think it is important for them to know that even their favorite movie star can accomplish great things and reach their dreams despite having a learning disability.  The first article link is Howie Mandel's story.  The second link is about additional success stories of celebrities with learning disabilities.

I would like to hear from you personally about the challenges you face in helping your child(ren) break the stigma of DCD, ADHD and other conditions.

Howie Mandel's Story - Click Link 

Success Stories: Celebrities With Dyslexia, ADHD and Dyscalculia - Click Link