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Managing dyspraxia, and tourettes at work

As the title suggests I have a diagnosis of Dyspraxia and Tourettes.  I have overcome many challenges and want to give you the tools to do the same.

Struggles in concentration, short term memory.

Tools  Dictaphone, laptop, talking software for dictation and to turn words into text, and headphones.

DWP access to work provide a grant to fund equipment and coaching
Reasonable adjustments by the employer.
The Equality Act 2010.

Think of the power of broke, to succeed you have to be hungry for success and willing to go through anything to succeed.  This a paraphrase from the book entitled the power of broke.  It is about success in business however I think it equally applies to other situations in life.

Situations and other people don't stop you succeeding only you can do that.

That said, it is good to list your strengths and opportunities as it is easy to forget what you are good at and yes despite our view of ourselves we all have a lot to give to an employer.

Today all these thoughts went through my head and I came up with my quote.  I need to own my day.  This means don't let events dictate my day.  So with this in mind, my first task of the day is to plan what I need to do. What are the important issues that need my attention right away and what things could wait.  As a nurse I have learnt to triage as new things come in I prioritise them.  The phrase working smarter comes to mind.  I don't much like it but it reminds me to always look for ways to improve my efficiency and get more done  (use technology) 

Temple Grandin talked of working to the child with autism's strengths, as a dad with 3 children who have autism, this got me thinking.  I need to work to my strengths.  What am I good at? My first thoughts are not much but pondering on this, I love people, I happily listen and want to support others. 

Don't let tourettes, dyspraxia, dyslexia or asd hold me back.  The paralysing feeling of failure each day, I must not let it defeat me by stopping me doing something.  Keep in mind my successes.  I know your probably thinking these are great words but eventually I'll just slip back into my old ways and you are right.  We automatically go back to our original program however we can change that program little by little each day.  I find thinking of small victories helps for example making a difficult phone call to a patients relative.  I didn't want to make the phone call, my TS was acting up and I had lots thoughts going round and round in my head but I did it, I made the phone call.   And guess what it wasn't as bad as I thought.  

If we let fear hold us back how will we ever disprove what we are afraid of.  These thoughts are based on previous experience things that used to work to keep us safe but they actually perpetuate the cycle of anxiety and non action.   However despite all of this knowledge each day is still a huge struggle for me. I am still trying different approaches each day.  I suppose I am hoping for everything to be perfect.  Perfect that I will know what to do.  To be honest reflecting on this I have realised I will never be good enough in my own mind as I will never meet the high standards I have set for myself. 


Am I alone in thinking of myself negatively while I think of others positively.

Never underestimate the importance of taking breaks.  Without regular breaks I struggle to focus, have more stress, eventually resulting in more sick time.








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