Hello from Trevor. [OT means Occupational Therapy and SP means Speech Pathology]

I am new to these forums and if you see my profile 1 of my disorders is Dyspraxia. It features balance impairment, fine motor control problems, slow movement, immature behavior, language delay and structural problems in speech, trouble with reading and writing, (comprehension, focus, spelling, understanding, grammar, critical thinking etc.) short-term memory loss, and posture problems (like Scoliosis). Some of these features improve with psychiatric/anti-convulsive medications. SP and OT may and do improve functioning, but usually involve the whole family to overhaul their lifestyle if it is poor. With my anxieties and kidney problems, plus my love for the family as it is and the way things are; [although I am not happy about them], I wonder if its worth continuing therapy?

I am happy to continue SP on an individual basis, as long as I can sustain energy levels with the kidneys at a low level - haemodialysis is working. I haven't had extensive enough language development training to allow me competence and confidence in speech. So far I have had trouble with Inferences, Synonyms, Antonyms, and the basics of creative prose in thinking of sentences. I suppose the SP would want my parents to limit their obligations to me participating in the community without their involvement when I have the confidence to practice my speech.

With the OT I had extensive brain and motor coordination exercises as a child along with plenty of physiotherapy as a toddler/infant to get me to roll and walk at 2 years 3 months. I also had OT as a teenager to help me down public stair-cases, ladders and escalators. I have forgotten how to not go slowly down these things, and I still have to hang on to the railings. I am back to being cautious on stepping on an escalator. Does anyone know the technique for balance when going down a flight or up?

The OT could overhaul the whole house from preventing RSI at a computer desk to building a ramp with railings down the steps. They could also make the Kitchen and Bathroom safer. The National Disability Insurance Scheme rolls in for me next year in Australia, so we would be able to get these things done.

Therapy is also expensive. My Psychologist costs me $130 AUD after the Medicare rebate, my SP $145, the OT and physiotherapist I am not currently provided for but those are affordable if I go to the right provider.