Dyspraxia and Autism

In this first episode of S5, Catherine Asta is joined by award winning advocate Tumi Sotire, a British-born Nigerian with dyspraxia and founder of The Black Dyspraxic, a platform dedicated to championing intersectionality within neurodiversity.

Together they unpack common misconceptions about dyspraxia, why it is often misunderstood as ‘just clumsiness’ and how it can affect everything from movement and coordination to organisation, memory, processing and confidence.

Tumi shares his own experience of growing up as a Black dyspraxic child, reflecting on diagnosis, bullying, education and the importance of understanding neurodivergence through an intersectional lens. The conversation also explores the hidden emotional and financial costs of dyspraxia, along with the barriers many families face in accessing support.

Catherine and Tumi discuss the overlap between dyspraxia and autism, including the reality that dyspraxia is a common co-occurring condition for autistic people. They also explore practical supports and adjustments, from occupational therapy and assistive technology to breaking tasks down into manageable steps and recognising individual strengths.

This is a hopeful conversation about self-understanding, advocacy and creating environments where neurodivergent people feel supported to thrive. Tumi reflects on the importance of recognising strengths alongside struggles and why helping children believe in what is possible can make a lifelong difference.

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