Entertainment

17 Celebrities You Didn’t Know Have Dyspraxia

The word dyspraxia and hands showing chalkboard against field and sky

Last Updated on

May 3rd, 2024 12:33 pm

Did you know 6% of the population are Dyspraxic? Believe it or not, a lot of celebrities that managed to achieve success in their fields are either dealing with Dyspraxia now, or have dealt with it in the past. Still, that didn’t stop them from being at the top of their game and never giving up.

We’ve compiled a list of some successful people that are dealing with Developmental Coordination Disorder, otherwise known as Dyspraxia.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe had been very vocal about dealing with having a learning difficulty, and the fact that he has physical coordination issues as well. The Harry Potter actor talked about having Dyspraxia in 2008, and he hasn’t been shy about it ever since.

Aside from the wizardry series, he also managed to work on a variety of other movies since then, delivering a great career despite having issues with Dyspraxia his entire life.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe has been very outspoken about his dyspraxia

Cara Delevingne

Cara has both ADHD and Dyspraxia. She struggled with reading problems her entire life, but especially as a child and teen, and she also has a hard time communicating the way she feels. However, this didn’t stop her from entering the modelling world and showing her craft.

Having attended an “arty boarding school”, her later school experience allowed her to hone in on her creative talents. She sings, and she also plays the guitar and drums too.

Cara Delevigne

Cara Delevigne has both ADHD and Dyspraxia

Emma Lewell-Buck

British politician Emma Lewell-Buck was diagnosed at the age of 27 and since then, she states that her diagnosis affected her work quite a bit. She says that she started having a poor sense of direction because of Dyspraxia. She had a hard time putting her shoes on and even spilt many drinks due to coordination problems while she was a child.

This is a clear insight into her life and the struggles that she had while dealing with Dyspraxia. Needless to say, it was quite the challenge to handle these things, but in the end it was only beneficial for her, which is something to take into consideration.

David Bailey

The famous photographer had a very hard time with writing and spelling. But despite that, he managed to study photography, and he continued to pursue his dreams. He became a very famous photographer, and he took shots of various celebrities like Jude Law, The Beatles and many others.

David Bailey is a clear example that having Dyspraxia still allows you to ace what you are doing, despite struggling with the motor skills often associated with photography.

Florence Welch

The singer from Florence and The Machine talks about her Dyspraxia problems quite often, however she is proud of them, and she says that they managed to make her who she is today.

She had struggles going through school, needing extra time to complete exams, however she channelled her frustrations into her singing talents. This allowed her to express herself and let her charismatic personality shine. The fact that she worked in a creative industry managed to bring a new perspective in life and turn a new leaf during a difficult time.

Florence Welch smiling to left of camera

Florence Welch is one of the most famous singers with Dyspraxia

Albert Einstein

Einstein was one of the smartest people of all time, which led many to believe he was Autistic. His theories changed our view of the universe, and he was able to do so by using his mind. He was also a genius when it came to mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

He had a hard time with learning difficulties that affected his ability to read and write, and he was forced to use an abacus instead of a pen and paper. Einstein was also one of many Dyspraxic people who never let his struggles get in the way of success.

Charicature of Albert Einstein

Despite no clear diagnosis, evidence suggests Albert Einstein had Dyspraxia

Jamie Oliver

Jamie Oliver is a British chef, TV presenter, author, and restaurateur. He’s best known for creating the first national curriculum for schools in England, and he’s also a big advocate for healthy eating.

Oliver has always been passionate about cooking, and he’s also very active in the community. He’s done charity work, and he’s also helped out those less fortunate than him throughout his career.

Jamie never let his Dyspraxia and ADHD hold him back, especially in the workplace where he’s won many awards in recent years.

Jamie Oliver and Jules Oliver on Red Carpet

Jamie Oliver uses his ADHD and Dyspraxia to his advantage in the kitchen

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is a comedian, actress, producer, writer, and activist. She’s also a huge supporter of women’s empowerment, and she’s spoken openly about her own experiences with Dyspraxia and mental health issues.

Whoopi Goldberg in Sunglasses

Whoopi Goldberg has overcome her Dyspraxia to achieve great success

Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison was a scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur. He invented the light bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera. He was also Dyspraxia-positive, and he used his splinter skills in spotting opportunities to overcome his difficulties.

He said that he would rather fail at inventing than succeed without trying. He also believed that if you’re willing to try, anything can be achieved.

Other Celebrities With Dyspraxia

There are many other celebrities and notable individuals who didn’t let Dyspraxia get in the way of their success. These include:

  • Jack Kerouac
  • Samuel Taylor Coleridge
  • Agatha Christie
  • Benjamin Franklin
  • Steven Spielberg
  • Robin Williams
  • Jamie Lambert
  • Emily Blunt

Don’t Let Dyspraxia Hold You Back

These famous people with Dyspraxia show that regardless of the issues that appear, you need to power through and win. They all had difficult childhoods, and it was extremely difficult to handle many of those things in life. But, what really matters is the way you commit to success and what you are doing to surpass any shortcomings.

It’s definitely not easy, but if you do it right, the potential can be second-to-none. That alone goes to show the huge commitment to focus and success. It wasn’t easy to do all these things, but all these famous people managed to achieve success in everything they did!

Keep reading for more inspiring content about Dyspraxia and Neurodiversity!

Recommended Reading
Dyspraxia: Developmental Co-Ordination Disorder

This informative, practical book is intended to help parents and teachers with innovative ideas that they can use to encourage and support children to improve motor skills.

FAQ

1. What is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Motor Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a lifelong condition that affects a person’s ability to plan and coordinate physical movements. It is characterized by motor difficulties and coordination that affect daily life, but this is not the same as having a physical disability – In that respect, DCD is a neurological condition, thus a hidden disability.

Developmental Motor Coordination Disorder affects an estimated 10% of children and young people, and it can have a significant impact on everyday life. The condition can sometimes go undiagnosed, and people may not even be aware that they or their child has it. As a result, there may be confusion and questions about the disorder.

2. What are the signs of Developmental Coordination Disorder?

Symptoms of Dyspraxia or DCD vary from person to person. These can include difficulty with everyday tasks such as dressing, writing, and eating, as well as difficulty with fine motor skills like holding a pencil or using scissors.

Other signs of DCD may include poor balance, clumsiness, and delayed gross motor skill development. Children with DCD may also experience difficulty with social skills and communication. If your child is displaying any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your pediatrician.

3. What causes Developmental Coordination Disorder?

The exact causes of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) are not yet known, however, it is believed that both genetic and environmental factors may play a role. It is also possible that a combination of factors, such as neurological and motor problems, could contribute to the development of DCD.

Research suggests that people with a family history of DCD or motor coordination problems are more likely to be affected. Additionally, it is possible that certain medical conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder, may increase the risk.

4. How is Developmental Coordination Disorder diagnosed?

Developmental Coordination Disorder can be difficult to diagnose, as it can manifest itself in many different ways and is often confused with other conditions. Generally, a diagnosis requires that a child display a certain pattern of developmental delays and motor coordination issues that are significantly below what is considered normal for their age.

A thorough evaluation of the child’s motor, perceptual, language, and cognitive skills is usually performed in order to determine whether the child’s learning disabilities meet the criteria for a diagnosis.

Additionally, a detailed assessment of the child’s daily activities and home environment can help to identify any environmental factors that may be impacting the child’s motor development.

5. What treatments are available for Developmental Coordination Disorder?

The treatments for Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) vary from person to person depending on the individual and how the disorder affects their daily living skills. Treatments often focus on improving motor skills, strength, and coordination, and may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Additionally, some individuals may benefit from vision training, sensory integration therapy, or behavior modification therapy. In some cases, medications can also be used to treat DCD. It is important to speak with a medical professional or occupational therapist to determine the best course of treatment for your individual situation.

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Rob Butler
30-Something Millennial with ADHD and suspected Autistic and Dyspraxic. Thought leader behind this website. Big visions of a better future for everyone, but forgets where he is half the time.Loves Rugby, his kids, and anything silly. Hates U2 and Marmite.

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