Charley always seemed to get into trouble, though he didn’t mean to. He was getting fed up of going to school because he felt different from most of the other kids. Then he met his Aunty Bella. And everything changed.
Children who have Developmental Coordination Disorder (also known as dyspraxia in the UK), they have a motor skill developmental delay that affects many aspects of their lives especially at school. Unfortunately, this common disorder is not well known in the United States and many kids suffer in silence or their disorder is attributed to other issues like ADHD. You’re So Clumsy Charley (A UK based book) illustrates a children’s story explains what it feels like to be a child who is different from other children. Charley seems to keep getting into trouble all the time for doing things wrong. While not labelled in the story, Charley has a specific coordination difficulty. In particular, he shows dyspraxic tendencies such as clumsiness. It is Charley’s specific difficulty that makes him feel different and therefore unhappy at school, because he doesn’t understand it. This is an important book for parents, pediatricians and teachers here in the USA to be aware of the symptoms and support for children with DCD. Children with DCD can unjustly be labeled as lazy and uncooperative and can be seen as disruptive when they are not given the proper support such as occupational therapy. DCD DOES NOT GO AWAY OR GET BETTER ON ITS OWN and can cause a lifelong issue and lead to things like depression, anxiety, and failure for a person to fulfill their potential. Thankfully, in this book, when Charley learns he is not alone, things begin to get better!
Common symptoms of DCD:
- not being able to kick, catch or throw
- not being able to hop, jump and run
- not being able to negotiate stairs
- not being able to use scissors accurately or hold them properly
- writing and drawing may appear scribbled or is not age appropriate
- not being able to tie shoelaces, fasten buttons or dress self correctly
- not being able to sit still for the same length of time children of the same age are able to
This book can be used with young children to discuss how neurodiversity (e.g. dyspraxia, dyslexia, ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome) is not a bad thing and that in fact it can have its strengths. This illustrated book helps parents, teachers, and other adults who support children, have a non-threatening discussion about specific learning difficulties with children of primary school age. Children find it easier to relate to, and discuss, the character in the story rather than have all the attention focused on them. This book can be a catalyst for discussion, adults can use the illustrated story at home or in school with children who have a specific learning difficulty, or exhibit tendencies of one. Teachers can use the book to help classmates better understand their peers who may struggle with things they don’t (e.g. as illustrated by Charley’s clumsiness in this story). Similarly, parents can use the book to help children better understand family members.
Charley was written by someone who is herself dyspraxic, and is based on both her own and her daughter’s experiences of being misunderstood. She wanted to help those children who continue to remain misunderstood. As with all of its books, Your Story Matters publishing aims to help people know they are not alone with what makes them different. If a young person or adult can relate to a story, it gives them hope and encourages them to share their concerns. The publisher aims to provide free teaching resources for all of its books that can be used in schools, to help improve understanding and celebrate differences.
1 in 10. Odds are you know someone with Dyspraxia. Dyspraxia Foundation USA is financed entirely through donations and member subscriptions. They are working hard to provide information about, and personal stories from, people and families living with dyspraxia. This information gives valuable input to families of those struggling with this condition. Your generous contribution will provide aid by funding Dyspraxia Foundation USA. Continued funding is very important because it will enable us to reach out to our friends in the 6% to 10% of the population who have dyspraxia. Their vision is a society where developmental dyspraxia is more widely accepted and acknowledged. Donate Today!
Catherine Loria’s Story “As far as advice to others, especially to parents raising a child with dyspraxia, she says, “Don’t give up. Keep fighting for your child and get help. If a doctor or teacher isn’t helpful or listening to you, try and find another doctor/teacher who will listen.”
About the Author: The author grew up with dyspraxia and watched her daughter do the same. Driven by frustration at people’s misunderstanding of this condition, particularly within the education system, Jane Binnion decided to write a children’s book that would hopefully get children and adults talking about what it is like to be different and why this is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it should be something to be celebrated!
List Price: $ 11.99
Momma's Bacon 
Great review. My daughter struggles with being outside the box when it comes to school. At home we embrace her uncharacteristic behaviour but as I’m sure you are aware children can be ruthless. Especially at the Jr. High level. We are always talking about her struggles at school in our blog!
Can’t wait to read more on your blog!
Have a great day!
Chill Mom