Handwriting & OT

Many children experience challenges when it comes to handwriting.

Imagine the anxiety and stress that a child may experience if they feel that they are not able to write like their peers! Sometimes there can be an underlying condition which causes difficulty writing such as dyslexia or dysgraphia and sometimes it may simply be that the child is putting too much pressure through their pen.

When difficulties with handwriting arise, a child may avoid tasks that involve handwriting. This can affect the way that they participate in school and complete homework. If a child is finding handwriting challenging at school, they can be referred to an Occupational Therapist. The child may be experiencing hand fatigue or may be finding it tricky to grasp their pencil/pen correctly.

An Occupational Therapist will evaluate the following:

-          Muscle strength/tone

-          Endurance

-          Coordination

-          Motor control (this includes pencil grasp)

-          Visual perception which impacts on the child’s competence and confidence when forming numbers and letters

-          Posture

OT’s can provide tips and strategies so that handwriting becomes a positive and fun experience!

At OTSM we will work with you to achieve your handwriting goals!

If you have any questions or would like to book a consultation, please do not hesitate to contact me at info@otsm.com.au

Thank you for visiting this blog! And remember to stay tuned for our next blog.