Introduction: Understanding Dyspraxia Beyond the Labels

Dyspraxia is often overlooked in conversations about neurodiversity, yet it impacts up to 6% of the population. Many still associate it simply with clumsiness or poor coordination, but dyspraxia affects far more – influencing fine and gross motor skills, organisation, speech, and everyday functioning.

In a recent episode of the Neurodivergent Mates, we spoke with Jonathan Levy, Chair of the Dyspraxia Foundation in the UK, who opened up about his personal journey with dyspraxia, the realities of the condition, and how self-acceptance has shaped his career in leadership and advocacy.

This conversation sheds light on the real challenges – and surprising strengths – that come with living with dyspraxia, and what society needs to understand to foster true inclusion.

Jonathan's Story: Early Diagnosis and Realising the Impact

Jonathan was diagnosed with dyspraxia early in childhood, a blessing he attributes to growing up in a family of doctors who recognised the signs early. Despite early intervention, Jonathan grew up always knowing he was "a bit different."

As a young adult, he volunteered in politics and was offered a job by a Member of Parliament (MP) in the UK. It was during this first professional role, at the age of 19, that Jonathan truly realised the significant impact dyspraxia had on his daily life.

Tasks that many might take for granted – like printing documents, stuffing envelopes, and signing letters – became hurdles. His struggles were not with the “intellectual” side of the job; he excelled at casework and policy discussions. But the practical, organisational tasks highlighted his dyspraxia daily.

Despite having disclosed his condition from day one, the lack of understanding from colleagues and his employer made the experience isolating and frustrating.

Taking Action: Turning Frustration into Advocacy

Jonathan's feelings of invisibility and misunderstanding in the workplace pushed him to act. During the UK's Dyspraxia Awareness Week, he wrote a heartfelt newspaper article about living and working with dyspraxia.

Initially, Jonathan hoped the article would prompt more understanding from his employer. Although it did not create change internally, the public reaction was overwhelming. Many resonated with his story, leading Jonathan to become a stronger advocate for dyspraxia awareness.

He later became a trustee and eventually the first Chair of the Dyspraxia Foundation to actually have dyspraxia himself – a major milestone in the charity's 35-year history.

What is Dyspraxia? A Closer Look

When educating others about dyspraxia, Jonathan explains it as affecting both fine motor skills (like writing and buttoning shirts) and gross motor skills (like balance and coordination).

Importantly, dyspraxia:

• Does not affect intelligence: It’s a processing difference, not a measure of capability.
• Is lifelong: It doesn’t "go away" with age, though individuals may develop coping strategies.
• Is highly individual: No two people experience it exactly the same way.

Historically mislabelled as “Clumsy Child Syndrome,” awareness is still catching up to other conditions like autism or dyslexia. Society often underestimates the complexities dyspraxia brings — from difficulties with spatial awareness to organisational challenges to struggles with speech and social interaction.

Beyond the Myths: Dyspraxia in Adulthood

One of the most misunderstood aspects of dyspraxia is that many challenges persist into adulthood, albeit in different forms:

• Organisation and time management become critical hurdles.
• Workplace demands around precision and multitasking may clash with executive function challenges.
• Physical fatigue is common, as navigating tasks that require coordination or sustained attention is energy-draining.

Jonathan shared that while he’s learned to navigate many challenges, the "simple" tasks often remain the hardest. For example, navigating directions, folding letters neatly, or mastering the timing of a multi-tasking work environment still require extra energy and focus.

Dyspraxia and the Workplace: Breaking the One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Jonathan’s experience highlights a broader systemic issue: workplaces are often not designed with neurodiversity in mind.

Despite modern discussions around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), many employers:

• Assume a "one-size-fits-all" approach to work hours and task management.
• Lack basic understanding of how neurodivergent brains operate differently.
• Fail to create environments where flexibility and communication are prioritised.

Jonathan stresses that small adaptations, such as flexible hours, written instructions, or an openness to alternative ways of completing tasks, can dramatically improve outcomes for dyspraxic employees.

Moreover, neurodivergent individuals often bring incredible strengths to teams: creativity, empathy, resilience, and the ability to think outside the box.

Self-Acceptance: A Lifelong Journey

One of the most powerful themes from Jonathan’s story is the importance of self-acceptance.

As a child and young adult, Jonathan often felt resentment about being “different.” Over time, through personal development, leadership training, and life experience, he embraced his dyspraxia not as a deficit but as part of his identity.

Key milestones in his journey toward self-acceptance included:

• Realising that his neurodivergence gave him unique leadership strengths, especially in empathy and listening.
• Building a career in fundraising and politics where he could utilise his communication skills.
• Learning that vulnerability and openness could be strengths rather than weaknesses.

Self-acceptance doesn't mean pretending dyspraxia isn't challenging. It means recognising the challenges while also celebrating the successes that come from perseverance, resilience, and authenticity.

Personal Development and Finding Your Own Lane

Jonathan also emphasises the role of personal development in building confidence and leadership skills.

Early in his career, he absorbed lessons from business and leadership training, focusing on topics like resilience, strategic thinking, and goal setting. He encourages others, especially young neurodivergent individuals, to invest in their own personal development.

Key advice includes:

• Find mentors and role models (even if you have to become one yourself).
• Focus on your goals, not comparisons with others.
• Remember that leadership looks different for everyone – and neurodiverse leadership is a powerful asset.

As Jonathan notes, leaders aren’t born; they’re made – often through lived experience, self-awareness, and a willingness to grow.

Moving Forward: What Society Needs to Understand About Dyspraxia

To build a more inclusive world for people with dyspraxia, Jonathan believes society must:

• Recognise the hidden nature of many disabilities: Just because someone doesn’t "look disabled" doesn’t mean they don’t face daily challenges.
• Move beyond clumsiness stereotypes: Dyspraxia affects organisational skills, speech, memory, and emotional regulation too.
• Create flexibility in education and the workplace: Neurodivergent individuals thrive in environments that adapt to their strengths.
• Promote real leadership and representation: Seeing leaders who are open about their neurodivergence helps break down stigma and inspires others.
Greater societal understanding of dyspraxia would not only benefit individuals with the condition, but would also create workplaces, communities, and systems that are stronger, more creative, and more inclusive overall.
Conclusion: Leading with Courage and Compassion

Jonathan’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-acceptance, and advocacy. Living with dyspraxia presents unique challenges, but it also offers unique strengths — creativity, empathy, problem-solving, and authenticity.

As awareness grows, and more dyspraxic individuals step into leadership and advocacy roles, we edge closer to a world where difference is not just accepted, but valued.

In Jonathan’s own words: "Everyone has a story worth sharing. And when we embrace our vulnerabilities, we unlock the power to create real change."

Want to Connect?

• Find Jonathan Levy on LinkedIn: Jonathan Levy
• Visit the Dyspraxia Foundation UK: dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk