Speech-to-text when handwriting is a nightmare. Sat-nav for every “easy” route. A tracker on your keys because, well, you know.
Using tools isn’t cheating. It’s working smart. And lots of the best ones are already built into your phone.
Your tech toolkit
Technology is one of the best things to happen to dyspraxic people. It takes over the fiddly, precise or memory-heavy parts of a task and leaves you free to do the thinking. These are the basics worth knowing about.
- Speech-to-text: Talk instead of typing.
- Text-to-speech: Listen to long reads.
- Sat-nav: Step by step, every time.
- Mind maps: Plan visually, not in lines.
- Reminders: Alarms with labels.
- Trackers: Find keys, wallets, and bags.
Phone settings
Before you download anything, look at what your phone can already do. Many of the most useful features are built in and switched off by default.
- Bigger text and buttons: Easier to tap the right thing.
- A voice assistant: Timers, reminders, calls, hands-free.
- Predictive text: Fewer typos, faster messages.
- Location reminders: “Take the bin out” when you get home.
Low-tech to high-tech
A lot of everyday frustrations have a simple digital alternative. You don’t have to switch everything at once, but these swaps are a good place to begin.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| Handwritten notes. | Voice notes or typing. |
| Paper maps. | Sat-nav with voice directions. |
| Remembering everything. | A shared digital calendar. |
Home gadgets
At home, a few gadgets can take over tasks that are awkward or tiring. None of them are essential, and you certainly don’t need all of them.
- A smart speaker: Timers while cooking
- A robot vacuum: One less chore
- Smart lights: No fumbling for switches
- A keyless lock: No key-in-lock wobble
- Electric toothbrush: With a timer
Good to know: You don’t need all of it. Start with what’s free on your phone.
At your desk
For work and study, the right tools can close the gap between what you know and how quickly you can get it down. That’s often where dyspraxic people lose the most time.
- Dictation software: Get ideas down at thinking speed.
- Spell and grammar checkers: Catch slips before you send.
- Keyboard shortcuts: Fewer fiddly mouse clicks.
- An ergonomic mouse: Easier grip, less strain.
Start small
With so many options, it’s tempting to try everything. That usually backfires, because every new tool is something else to learn and remember to use.
New tech is a new thing to learn, and that takes energy. Add one tool at a time.
The best tool is the one you’ll actually use.
Check your phone’s accessibility settings first. Lots is already built in.
Wrapping up
Using tools isn’t cheating. It’s working smart.
Some people feel that using tools is a way of avoiding the real skill. It isn’t. Glasses aren’t cheating at seeing, and speech-to-text isn’t cheating at writing. Use whatever lets you do the thing you actually care about.
Next in the series: Diagnosed With Dyspraxia as an Adult
This post is for general information and isn’t medical advice or a diagnosis. If it resonates, speak to your GP or an occupational therapist.