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Monday
18Aug2008

Daniel Radcliffe Opens Up About Neurological Disorder

Harry Potter: Klutz?

Though he has hidden the condition for years, Daniel Radcliffe recently admitted in an interview, with typical self-deprecation, that he suffers from dyspraxia, a neurological disorder in which more severe cases are commonly associated with impaired development, whether it's physical, intellectual, or even in speech and language skills.

London's Daily Mail has a great article on Radcliffe's revelation, and the paper contacted NYU Medical School's Dr. David Younger, an expert on the condition, who says, "I’m a big fan of the whole Harry Potter series and I am surprised Daniel Radcliffe suffers from dyspraxia." The doctor added, "He clearly suffers from a mild form, but the fact he shows no sign of it at all is a great tribute to his acting skills and makes him a role model for other people with this condition."

Radcliffe credits dyspraxia for helping draw him into acting, because he was becoming discouraged about his performance in classes. "I was having a hard time at school in terms of being c**p at everything, with no discernible talent," he says. The actor will debut on Broadway in Equus next month, and his next Harry Potter adventure, The Half-Blood Prince, which was supposed to hit theaters in November, has been pushed back to next summer.

The condition has no obvious cause, but even in mild cases it can be marked by driving difficulties, bad handwriting, and in Radcliffe's case, trouble tying his shoes.

The actor jokes, "I sometimes think, “Why, oh why, has Velcro not taken off?’’

Reader Comments (10)

Single tear...

Monday, August 18, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterScott

I didn't know that. But its good that he can deal with it. He is a good role model for people with that.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKrazy

Good for him to speak up after he's done the first 6 films and everything else. It is a testament to his abilities and makes his achievements that much more in the eyes of so many, who would otherwise 'lower the bar' for someone who is 'different'.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterHappy Potter Fan

As if DR isn't getting enough tail as it is...C'mon Danny! Save some of 'em for the rest of us!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterLost Wilson

I am a paediatric Occupational Therapist as well as having a son with severe dyspraxia.Well done to Daniel for speaking out- maybe it will lessen the stigma for these kids who suffer from this `hidden disability'and it might even be seen as `cool'. Daniel could become the face of the Dyspraxia Association!!!!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterA.K

I'll have to tell my son, he has dyspraxia -- a more severe case -- it should help him realize that it doesn't have go hold him back.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008 | Unregistered Commenternancy in chicago

Its good to hear he come with it and tell the world. He is role model to you children and now people who suffer from dyspraxia can relate there condition with him and know it dosnt hold you back and it's nothing to be ashamed off.

Similar with famous people with dyslexia. We got told loads of people with people who suffer dyslexia (richard brandson for example) and how sucseful ppl can be and it should hold ppl back.

He should be even more proud knowing the difference he is makin on young children lifes.

Thursday, August 21, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterBecky

IT IS GREAT HOW HE ACTS ITS JUST AWESOME I MEAN HE EVEN THANKED HAVIN THAT KIND OF SICKNESS BUT POOR OF HIM THOUGH I JUST HOPE IT DONT GET WORST I LOVE HIM MUCH HOPE HE TAKES CARE

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterCINDY GONZALEZ

Daniel is a great actor and a brilliant young man. The fact that he hasn't let this illness diminish all that makes him even more admirable. Go Daniel!!

Saturday, August 30, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterHermione Fan

I have that.

Thursday, January 8, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterme

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