Dyspraxia – Things that help me at work
To mark Dyspraxia Awareness Week, we’re proud to share a personal and insightful blog from one of our amazing Medigold IT team members, Natalie Betts.
Diagnosed with dyspraxia at a young age, Natalie has spent years learning how to manage the condition – both in her personal life and in the workplace. Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), affects up to 10% of the population and can impact coordination, organisation, memory, and information processing.
In this blog, Natalie shares the practical strategies that help her stay focused, organised, and confident at work. Her story is a powerful reminder of how small adjustments and supportive environments can make a big difference.
This blog is written by Medigold Health’s IT Support Engineer, Natalie Betts.
I was diagnosed with dyspraxia from a very young age in the 1990s, when very little was known about the condition. This has given me a lot of time and practice to find ways to manage it, both in my personal life and at work.
Dyspraxia impacts me in many ways, particularly with processing information, organisation, and time management. Here are my top five tips that help me navigate and thrive in the workplace!
Keeping focused and avoiding distractions
My role involves taking phone calls and handling tickets to resolve IT issues and provide training. Some days can be extremely busy. I often find myself working on a task, getting distracted, and then picking up more work before finishing the first task. To combat this, I write a list and focus on any outstanding tasks before taking on anything new. This helps me stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Tidying my computer and workspace
This is a helpful exercise for staying organised and could benefit anyone at work. Sometimes I have lots of programmes open on my laptop or equipment cluttering my desk, which can make me feel overwhelmed.
I find it helpful to close any programmes or browser tabs I no longer need. This allows me to focus on what I’m currently working on. Tidying my desk space has the same effect – removing unnecessary items helps me feel more in control.
Getting things written down
Anyone who knows me well will say I have an excellent long-term memory – I can remember names, numbers, events, and even postcodes! However, my short-term memory isn’t as strong, and I may forget things that were told to me just a few hours earlier.
To help with this, I make notes and write down important information. This is especially useful when taking calls and recording details of IT issues. If I attend a meeting and important points are raised, I’ll take notes or ask for a follow-up email summarising what was discussed.
Asking for clear instructions
At school, I had periodic assessments by the Special Needs Department to monitor my progress and recommend support. One consistent recommendation was the need for clear instructions. If instructions are ambiguous, there’s a high chance I’ll misinterpret them.
When I’m given a task, I repeat the instructions back to ensure I’ve understood correctly. If anything is unclear, I ask for clarification so I can proceed with confidence.
If you’re supporting a colleague with dyspraxia, it can be helpful to break down large tasks into smaller steps. Taking the time to explain things clearly and providing written instructions they can refer to are great ways to offer support.
Honesty is the best policy
When I was younger, I didn’t always ask for help or admit when I was struggling. I felt embarrassed about needing extra time to process information or not understanding instructions the first time. I also worried that admitting I was struggling would make people think I wasn’t capable.
Over time, I’ve realised it’s far better to be open about my difficulties with colleagues and managers. Trying to carry on without support is much harder.
Medigold is here to help support your dyspraxic employees
Looking to build a more inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive? We’re here to help.
Our expert-led support services are designed to empower your organisation with the tools and knowledge to create a truly inclusive culture. We offer:
- Neurodiversity, disability and menopause training and consultancy
- A comprehensive neurodiversity toolkit
- Advice on workplace adjustments and how to become Disability Confident
If you want to learn more, contact our friendly team today.
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