Adults

Accept help

To anyone unlucky enough to be diagnosed with later onset ataxia I would recommend they make contact with Ataxia UK and, as things progress, accept the help of Social Services, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

My brother, who was diagnosed aged 63, and his wife say that they meet each problem as it occurs. Because there is a slow progression, there is time to meet the new challenge when it arrives.
Margaret

See yourself as a person

The first thing I would say to someone diagnosed with ataxia at my age (53) is that you need time to terms with it. It was a great shock to me also; but there are many courses, items, handy hints and assistance, for welfare and for aids and adaptations). You may feel angry and have negative yet understandable thoughts like, "Why me?"

You can get carer help, and assistance with various adaptations through Social Services.

Above it, it’s important to see yourself firstly as a person, a person who happens to have a condition called ataxia, and not 'an ataxic'.
Barbara

Also see Graham and Polly on This Morning.

Helpline: 0845 644 0606

Adults

Accept help

See yourself as a person