Drew's poem- article

May 3, 2010

I just emailed , the contact at the end of this article to see if she can

share Drew's poem with us. Either way -kudos to this kid!

Drew: Dyspraxia is no laughing matter

30 April 2010

By Camille Berriman

A bury St Edmunds boy is sending out an important message about the condition he

suffers from - dyspraxia is no laughing matter.

Drew Gillespy, 10, who was diagnosed with dyspraxia when he was four, has

written a poem about how the condition makes him feel. This week, it was read

out during assembly at his school, Horringer Court Middle, to give pupils a

better understanding of what he is going through.

His mother, Charlotte, said Drew wanted to raise awareness because he gets

teased and that he also wants to meet other children - especially boys - who

suffer from dyspraxia.

" Drew finds it really difficult at school, " she said. " He is teased and

sometimes pushed over because his balance isn't very good. That's where the poem

comes from. It was him drawing on a low ebb. "

Mrs Gillespy said the dyspraxia affects Drew's balance, makes him clumsy, badly

organised and he finds practical tasks a struggle.

" He can get quite frustrated and it is hard as a parent watching him go through

it. He doesn't always ask for help because he's got too much pride. He wants to

fight his own way through, " she said.

" He would dearly love to meet other children with the condition, so he doesn't

have to explain himself all the time. "

On Tuesday, a teacher read out Drew's poem at assembly.

" The reaction at school was really positive, " said Mrs Gillespy. " A lot of the

children wanted to find out more and asked for leaflets.

" I find it remarkable that he did it and he held his own when all the children

were asking questions. He just felt that if they knew what the problems were

they'd have more understanding. "

The Suffolk Dyspraxia Support Group meets monthly. For detalis, contact

co-ordinator Neale on 01440 708102 or email sdneale@...

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