Table of Contents
Foreword. 1. A Recipe for Chaos. 2. The Hidden People at Home. 3. A
Survival Guide to School. 4. Making the Grade. 5. Crossing the
Chasm. 6. The Case of the Cooked Tomato. 7. Bullying. 8. Coping
with Growing Up. 9. Understanding Your Diagnosis. 10. Dealing with
Dyspraxia: What Can I Do Now? 11. Lying Diagonally in a Parallel
Universe. Afterword: A Note from Now. Acknowledgements. Useful
Addresses and Websites. References and Further Reading. Index.
Promotional Information
A humorous and inspiring practical guide for young adults with
dyspraxia and those around them
About the Author
Victoria Biggs was sixteen years old when she wrote Caged in Chaos.
She went on to study English at the University of Cambridge. She
has subsequently been a learning support worker for young people
with moderate to severe learning disabilities and has taught
creative writing to women experiencing trauma-related mental health
problems. Now in her twenties, she is completing a doctorate at the
University of Manchester, researching how storytelling can be used
to support children living with war and violence.
Reviews
Caged in Chaos puts into words what professionals have been unable
to, articulating the voices of many of the young people I have had
the privilege of working with. The book touches the frustration,
pain, humour, and resilience that come with having a cognitive
profile consistent with dyspraxia. Adult readers can hear the
echoes of their own experience and the young are reassured they are
not alone. The pick and mix solutions for day-to-day issues gives
just the right level of practical advice. -- From the foreword by
Jo Todd, CEO of Key 4 Learning
Caged in Chaos is a truly inspiring but humorous book written by a
teenager which is aimed at helping other teenagers with dyspraxia.
It is a true survivor's guide to how to succeed and follow your
dreams regardless of the things which hold you back. I would
recommend this book to all young people regardless of their
backgrounds. Victoria is a great role model and bravely writes
about subjects which most teenagers would keep silent about such as
how to deal with periods, first romantic crushes and wardrobe
malfunctions. It should be essential reading in all secondary
school libraries. -- Maureen Boon, former Headteacher and author of
Understanding Dyspraxia and Can I Tell You About Dyspraxia?
Written when Victoria was 16 years old, this book is her personal
story and one that young people with dyspraxia will all relate to.
Inside the book there are many wonderful quotes from people who
have dyspraxia. It's fun, easy to read and creatively written, full
of tips to help with home life and school. -- Jessica Starns,
founder of Dyspraxic Me, a support group for young people with
dyspraxia
Praise for the first edition:
'I am currently developing new academic programmes and I hoped by
reading a personal account of dyspraxia that I would be able to
develop some understanding and insight into the condition, which
would ultimately inform my teaching. I was not disappointed. This
is a book that leaves you with a very strong impression of the
impact of dyspraxia on people's lives.'
-- The Higher Education Academy
Caged in Chaos is peppered with illustrations and words written by
children and young people with dyspraxia and other learning
difficulties, and it is easy to understand how helpful Victoria's
insights and explanations will be to other dyspraxics, their
parents, teachers and other people involved in their lives. The
advice Victoria gives is practical and down to earth; she deals
with everyday issues such as social skills, body language, health
and hygiene, puberty, relationships and family life. -- Dyspraxia
News
This very informative book, about a young adult who has dyspraxia,
is a much needed addition to my library. Although I have worked
with children of all ages who have dyspraxia, it is difficult to
put yourself in their shoes. The very obvious physical difficulties
can be understood, although the effect this has on their
self-confidence and esteem is not so obvious. However, the author
clearly describes how her life has evolved and the impact her poor
organisational skills have had on every aspect of her life. She
offers very practical "tips" which have helped her through the very
difficult period of life known as adolescence... It is a book I
will be recommending to parents and other professionals who work
with young people and this disorder. It will be extremely useful
for therapists (occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and
language) who are new to this field of paedriatrics. Additionally,
I feel that young people who have dyspraxia will also use it as a
resource to help them to validate their experiences and feel that
someone has understood explicitly what they are experiencing. It is
already a well-thumbed book! -- NAPOT (National Assessment of
Paediatric Occupational Therapy)
The 16-year-old author writes with a spirited and humorous style,
using a mature approach to a vast range of topics and revealing her
personal strengths and weaknesses with quirky honesty... Ms Biggs'
advice is rich and relevant but realistic and practical. I have
rarely read a book which offers such a vast range of useful
strategies... The author skilfully acknowledges the issues which
family members might have while growing up with someone who has
dyspraxia, and her recommendations to teachers span generic topics
as well as specific curriculum subjects. Her empathy with and
support for those who have dyspraxia oozes with apparent ease from
everything she writes and I would be surprised if anyone fails to
feel empowered and enriched by what she has to offer. -- Good
Autism Practice
Written by a 16 year old with dyspraxia, this book provides a
profound and humbling insight into an often misunderstood
condition. It is packed with useful advice on how it feels to be
dyspraxic and how to understand the physical, social, emotional and
psychological aspects of developmental co-ordination disorder. The
effects of short term memory, clumsiness and disorganisation are
explored along with bullying, self-esteem and loneliness. The style
is conversational, with examples and life experiences from a number
of young dyspraxics. Chapters on a survival guide to school, making
the grade, and coping with growing up are most useful. Dyspraxia
has been described as lying in a parallel universe. This book
explores a galaxy of ideas, thoughts, emotions and supportive
actions for the classroom and beyond. -- The Teacher, magazine of
the National Union of Teachers
As well as the author's individual experience, the book refers to
others dyspraxics who are coping with difficulties in a variety of
situations... The book also provides tips for teachers to support
them in providing reasonable adjustments... the book concludes with
advice on matters related to further education; moving into the
world of work and day to day living. There is a useful section on
addresses and websites were further information can be found...
This book will help readers to understand the experiences of those
who live with dyspraxia. it is an inspiring read tingled with both
humour and sadness. -- SNIP
This charming and fun book offers a comprehensive account of
dyspraxia together with plenty of practical tips and pithy quotes
from other dyspraxic teenagers recounting their personal
experiences... includes a list of useful addresses and websites for
information and support on bullying, advocacy, driving, education,
independent living and mental health. i highly recommend "Caged in
Chaos" to all those affected or involved with dyspraxia,
particularly parents and teachers. -- Jacqueline Martin * ask -
C.A.R.E. Centre *
