"My Child Can't Write"

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image from www. mountvernon.org

By the time teenagers enter high school most of their assignments are done in a digital format. Writing as an adult may be limited to writing grocery lists and phone numbers. Handwriting is  still an integral part of school especially at the elementary level, however in comparison to reading and math instruction writing gets little attention these days. The ability to write is a stepping stone for further academic success by having a means to transfer thoughts and ideas into a written format. Handwriting used to be a skill taught and practiced, handwriting was an art. 

There are many reasons that cause a child to struggle with handwriting. Research suggest that 5-27% of children in school struggle with handwriting in some way. Understanding Handwriting Difficulties 

Causes:

  • Behavioral
    • Handwriting is a trigger which can be associated with anxiety, low self esteem, perfectionism, not knowing what to do, seeking control
  • Neurological
    • Focus and Attention
      • for example ADD and ADHD
      • Visual inattention (also related to struggles with reading)
    • Dyslexia
  • Developmental
    • The child is not ready to write 
    • The child has generalized fine and or gross motor delays
  • Cognitive
    • The child lacks the language skills associated with handwriting
    • The child lacks the cognitive understanding and meaning of letters and numbers
    • Visual Perceptual - The ability to give meaning to things we see
      • The child does not see the "whole" picture and how to put it on paper
      • The child is not able to see mistakes and correct them
  • Perceptual Motor skills
    • Visual Spatial - The ability to tell where objects/body parts are in space
      • Directional concepts are weak or missing; for example left/right, up/down
    • Motor Planning - How to set up the task in your mind before actually doing the task
      • There is no abstract vision of what to do
        • Placement on the paper (where)
        • Letter formation
        • What are the individual steps 
    • Visual Motor - Eye hand coordination
  • Motor Movement 
    • Writing is initiated proximal in the shoulder rather than the hand/wrist 
    • Modulation - Accuracy of movement by controlling the speed and force
      • Speed with which the make the letters and write 
      • The amount of pressure to put on the pencil or pen 
    • Attention to detail
      • Letter formation errors 
      • Spacing of the letters and words
    • Fluency - The speed with which one can write
      • Pressure on the paper
      • excess movement of the body
      • Letter formation

When handwriting difficulties arise from a motor movement delay or deficit we speak of dysgraphia. Problems with transcription both in writing and typing, often leading to trouble with spelling. Dysgraphia is no longer an official diagnosis in schools and outpatient clinics it is generally addresses as part of a developmental coordination disorder. 

When you suspect problems with handwriting speak with your child's teacher or if you are a teacher with the child's parents. a Physical or Occupational therapist can screen and or evaluate the child to discern the cause of the writing problems and if interventions or other referrals are indicated.

 If they arise from visual motor, perceptual motor, movement or general developmental motor delays therapy can be an effective intervention.  The school may have resources available otherwise a referral for an outpatient evaluation by a Physical or Occupational therapist may be a good starting point. If you have questions or comments please don't hesitate to use the comment box or send an email. . (In the USA most handwriting intervention is provided by an Occupational Therapist) 


Els O'Rourke PT



Related Links

Handwriting Readiness

Handwriting Model; video

Dysgraphia


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