It can be discouraging if your child’s handwriting is messy and difficult to read. While you might perceive handwriting like any other skill, it requires hand strength, fine motor skills, visual coordination, and core strength. Alliance handwriting evaluations can help to assess your child’s handwriting difficulties and offer solutions to help them improve.
Handwriting problems are common in children with autism and developmental delays. Your specialist can offer treatment solutions to children of all ages.
When does your child need handwriting evaluations?
Your child needs handwriting evaluations when their handwriting is difficult to read. When reading your child’s notes, you might find that they are sloppy and messier than other children their age. If your child’s school performance is dropping because they are actively avoiding writing tasks, it is time to contact an expert for help.
If your child’s poor handwriting leads them to act out or withdraw from their friends or favorite games, there is a problem. Your child will engage in activities when they feel comfortable and certain of their abilities. If their handwriting falls short of that, you might need medical intervention to help them through their difficulties.
Handwriting problems can arise from impaired fine motor functioning or your child’s difficulty focusing or concentrating on one task. They might write in illegible handwriting if they also feel rushed when writing something. Other factors that can cause your child’s poor handwriting include poor posture, weak hand grip, and difficult eye and body coordination.
What does handwriting evaluation involve?
During occupational therapy, your specialist will conduct a series of tests to evaluate your child’s handwriting. You and your child will answer questions that can help to understand their situation. Then, your child will complete activities that assess the legibility of their handwriting. While your child works on the assessment activities, your therapist will observe them and create individualized therapy plans.
Treatment solutions for poor handwriting
Your specialist will offer your child treatment solutions depending on their symptoms and causes of poor handwriting. For example, if your child has weak hand strength, your specialist will introduce exercises to strengthen your child’s hand and associated joints. Such activities will help your child write better.
If there is a problem with hand and eye coordination, your child might need to learn to listen to their body and coordinate the communication between their muscles and eyes. While this treatment approach is gradual, your child can write well and take their time with writing tasks.
Since handwriting issues can arise from having poor focus and concentration, your therapist will encourage your child to participate in activities that promote engagement on one subject at a time. Doing so will improve your child’s attention span and confidence; once they understand that they can overcome their fears and shortcomings with focus.
If your child struggles with poor handwriting, visit PediaPlex for a handwriting evaluation. The available therapists will evaluate your child’s condition and offer highly-personalized treatment. Call or schedule your appointment online today for your child’s improved handwriting, strength, and coordination between the brain and hands.