Caged In Chaos: A Dyspraxic Guide To Breaking Free [Paperback]

Victoria Biggs (Author), Sharon Tsang (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 2005

Written by a teenage dyspraxic, this inspiring book is a unique practical guide for dyspraxics and those around them struggling and determined to get to grips with the social, physical and psychological chaos caused by developmental co-ordination disorders (DCDs). In her own conversational style, Victoria Biggs discusses both the primary effects of her 'learning difference' - disorganization, clumsiness and poor short-term memory - and the secondary difficulties she and other dyspraxics encounter, including bullying, low self-esteem and loneliness. She offers down-to-earth advice on a wide range of issues, from body language, puberty, health and hygiene to family life and social skills. Personal stories and 'this-is-what-it's-like-for-me' accounts from other dyspraxic adolescents are also included. Her positive and practical approach and profound empathy with others in her situation make this book a must-read for dyspraxics, their parents and other family members, and for professionals working with them.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I describe life with my hidden handicap as lying diagonally in a parallel universe - I'm always slightly out of step with everyone else...always with a skewed view of things. Luckily I now really enjoy life on a tilt." - Victoria Biggs --Victoria Biggs

About the Author

Victoria Biggs is sixteen years old and has just passed her AS levels. Her writing skills have earned her a place in the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub (April 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843103478
• ISBN-13: 978-1843103479
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #223,629 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book!, September 30, 2005

By 

K. Bennett (Spokane, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Caged In Chaos: A Dyspraxic Guide To Breaking Free (Paperback)

Finally, a book that tells in simple terms what being Dyspraxic is all about. We have a beautiful 7 year old grandchild that is challenged by this condition. This book has given us wonderful ideas on how to make her life easier and help her along the way. This is a "must read" for families who have been touched by Dyspraxia.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended, April 17, 2006

By 

Theodore Tugboat (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Caged In Chaos: A Dyspraxic Guide To Breaking Free (Paperback)

As the parent of a dyspraxic pre-teen, I have found that while there is an increasing amount of information available about dyspraxia (a.k.a. apraxia), there is not much out there about dyspraxia in older kids and young adults. Not only is "Caged in Chaos" just such a resource, but it provides an insider's point of view, as the author is dyspraxic herself (an extra star for that fact alone.)

In addition to providing many helfpul coping strategies, "Caged in Chaos" also reaffirms that "you are not alone." I lost count of the number of times that that the author mentioned experiences that my child is going through, too. As the general public is largely unfamiliar with dyspraxia, it is quite comforting to know that there are others out there that are sharing similar things.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Yet?, May 2, 2005

By 

Jack Cee (London, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Caged In Chaos: A Dyspraxic Guide To Breaking Free (Paperback)

A great book listing numerous coping strategies through "how it was for me" situations. Often funny, but never patronising, this book deserves to be the subject market leader for a long time to come. The section on bullying is particularly thought provoking. If you want to know what goes on inside a dyspraxic mind this is what you need!