Job hunting is tiring for anyone. If you’re dyspraxic it can feel harder still, especially when adverts are vague and employers know little about dyspraxia. The aim isn’t to find a short list of “dyspraxia jobs”, because there isn’t one. It’s to find roles and employers that suit the way you work.
Dyspraxia, also called developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), mainly affects movement, co-ordination and spatial awareness. The NHS page on dyspraxia in adults notes that it can also affect organisation, time management, learning new skills and social situations. Everyone’s experience is different, so the best place to start is your own.
Start with how you work best
Before you look at adverts, think about the conditions in which you do your best work. That’s more useful than trying to rule whole careers in or out.
Pace and timing
Some dyspraxic people find work that demands fast, precise physical tasks under time pressure especially draining. If that’s you, roles where you set your own pace, or where accuracy counts for more than speed, may suit you better. That’s about how the job is designed, not about your ability.
Organisation and memory
Juggling lots of deadlines and spoken instructions can be harder when organisation isn’t your natural strength. Many people find that digital calendars, checklists and written instructions take care of most of it. Think about which tools already work for you, and whether a role would let you use them.
Physical tasks and environment
Look at the physical side of a role: carrying things, using machinery, driving, typing at speed, or moving around a busy space. Consider noise, lighting and layout too. None of this is a reason to avoid a career you want, but it tells you which adjustments to ask about.
Know your strengths
Dyspraxic people are as varied as anyone else, so not all of these will apply to you. They’re worth thinking about, though, because some dyspraxic people recognise them straight away.
Problem solving
If you’ve spent years finding your own way round tasks other people do on autopilot, you may be well practised at creative problem solving and at seeing other ways a job could be done.
Persistence
Some dyspraxic adults describe a strong work ethic, built from having to put in extra effort at things others found easy. That determination is valuable in any role.
People skills
Some dyspraxic people are thoughtful, patient listeners, which is a real asset in roles involving customers, clients or colleagues who need support.
Write down examples from work, study or volunteering that show your strengths, as you’ll use them in applications and interviews. Our help with your CV page shows how to present them well.
Where to look for dyspraxia-friendly jobs
Specialist jobs boards
The Enna jobs board lists roles from employers who are working on neuroinclusion. You can register for job alerts so suitable roles reach you without daily searching.
Mainstream job sites
Large job sites let you filter for remote, hybrid or flexible roles, which can give you more control over your environment and your day. Look out for employers that are part of the government’s Disability Confident scheme or that mention adjustments during recruitment.
LinkedIn and online communities
Following employers on LinkedIn shows you how they talk about inclusion, and whether they back it up. Neurodivergent communities online can also be a good source of honest accounts of what particular employers are like to work for.
Reading the signals in an advert
A job advert says a lot about an employer. Good signs include clear, specific requirements, an offer of adjustments during recruitment, flexible working, and the option to see interview questions in advance. Long lists of vague “essential” skills, or heavy emphasis on a “fast-paced environment”, are worth asking about before you apply.
Adjustments and disclosure
Whether you mention dyspraxia is your decision. Dyspraxia will often count as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, which means employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments during recruitment and at work. Common adjustments include extra time for tasks, a different keyboard or mouse, written instructions and a quieter workspace. Acas lists more adjustments for neurodiversity, including some for balance and co-ordination.
Once you’re in a role, the government’s Access to Work scheme can fund practical support. If you decide to tell an employer, our disclosure templates help you find the words, and our working styles guide is a simple way to explain how you work best.
How Enna can help
Our jobs board is built for neurodivergent jobseekers, including dyspraxic people. Browse current roles on the Enna jobs board, set up job alerts so you don’t miss anything, and use our CV guidance to show employers what you can do.
Employers who want to attract and keep dyspraxic talent can start with our Neurodiversity 101 workshop.
