One of the most common concerns we hear from parents is that their child is experiencing challenges with writing. Dysgraphia is a commonly used term that is used to describe challenges with writing. However, writing difficulties can vary as there are many skill areas that influence functional writing skills.
Here are some common areas that can impact writing challenges in children:
- Poor/awkward grasp on writing implements
- Hand weakness or low muscle tone within the hands
- Low endurance or stamina for writing tasks
- Postural control/trunk instability impacting seated positioning
- Visual acuity issues impacting the clarity of vision
- Ocular motor challenges that influence how the eye work together during writing tasks
- Visual perceptual issues such as memory, spatial planning, form constancy that are used when writing
- Spelling issues, also called orthographic coding (putting sounds together), that impact composing when writing
- Motor planning challenges impacting the manner in which letters are formed
- Ideational challenges that influence idea generation when composing while writing
- Executive functioning challenges that impact organizing and sequencing steps when writing
- Grammar issues can present as errors involving parts of speech, word order, subject/verb agreement, and verb tense consistency.
- Poor awareness for capitalization rules when composing or copying
- Slow processing speed can impact efficiency, copying speed, and the ability to get thoughts to paper
- Directionality issues when forming letters and number can result in reversals, poor left/right awareness, or present as overall dyslexia
- Sensory processing challenges can lead to difficulties using appropriate pressure, decreased kinesthetic awareness, and tactile processing issues when handling a pencil
What happens during an occupational therapy evaluation?
Our therapists will first obtain a complete medical and developmental history. Then parents will complete questionnaires in order to identify specific challenges the child encounters at home. Last, the child participates in several standardized tests and unstructured tasks to assess different areas that impact writing such as visual motor integration skills, visual perception, manual dexterity, grasp, postural control, upper extremity function, and writing efficiency and legibility.
Give us a call if your child is showing signs of dysgraphia. We are here at Skills on the Hill in Washington, DC, or Arlington, VA, and are ready to do an evaluation and set up a treatment plan.
If therapy is recommended, our occupational therapists will develop an individualized treatment plan that includes a home exercise program. In each session, writing skills will be targeted and seamlessly integrated into fun, play-based activities.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment at Skills on the Hill to get started!
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