Mom of 7-year-old with hidden disability runs activities so others will understand

LETHBRIDGE – Megan Van Diemen is just like every other 7-year-old girl—except for one thing.

She suffers from dyspraxia, often called the hidden disability for two reasons: one, you can’t see it or its effects, and two, it’s uncommon so people are unaware of it.

It’s better known as a developmental coordination disorder and Megan’s mother, José, says it creates a daily challenge for her daughter.

“Everyday things like eating, she spills a lot when she eats,” said Van Diemen. “She’s not coordinated so she gets bruised a lot because she runs into things.”

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Megan and her three sisters go to Saint Catherine’s school in Picture Butte. In the hopes of eliminating bullying and in order to raise awareness about dyspraxia, Van Diemen decided to set up “Funky Friday.”

“I have all kinds of activities set up in the gym here, to get the kids to get an understanding of how difficult it is for Megan to do some of these things,” said Van Diemen. “Everyday things like tying your shoe laces, gross motor skills like walking on a balance beam or throwing a ball.”

As a way to understand what it means to live with the disease, students were challenged to make a bead necklace with oven mitts on, use scissors with only their non-dominant hand and blow up a balloon with dozens of poked holes.

The Van Diemens set up the gym with the activities and said they work together as a team to help Megan in whatever way possible, something Krista said is part of being a big sister.

“She can’t do like all the stuff we can do,” said Megan’s sister. “Because we are older we just have to help out… she can’t do the dishwasher, but we can.”

Her mother says many realize that Megan is a special little girl.

“I can learn a lot from Megan and we all do, she has a heart of gold,” said Van Diemen. “I’ve learnt a lot of patience because we need a lot of repetition and there is inconsistency as well. Patience, loving, kindness, accepting towards others.”

Krista added that Megan may not be exactly like the other kids, but she is a big help around the house.

“She helps you no matter if you don’t want help or you do. She helps you with like everything, especially when your alarm clock doesn’t go off.”

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