Dysgraphia and ADHD-Occupational Therapy can help

What is Dysgraphia? 

I work with kids in the Mountain View and the Bay Area to help improve their handwriting skills.  One of the most challenging groups of kids I treat are those with dysgraphia.   Dysgraphia is a learning disorder where your child’s brain has difficulty with expressing ideas in written form. This could result in fine motor challenges, difficulty with handwriting skills or typing skills. You can read more about the 3 different types of dysgraphia in this post “What is Dysgraphia and how does it affect handwriting?”

What is ADHD?

ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. You probably know someone who has ADHD. Heck! You might have it yourself.  It often runs in families. It does have a genetic link.  Here’s an interesting study about the genetic links of ADHD in families.  This disorder is typically diagnosed in childhood and runs into adulthood.  It can be mild or very severe. It affects families, relationships, education and jobs.  You can look at the signs and symptoms of ADHD here. ADHD is diagnosed through specific criteria and it is important to speak to your healthcare provider if you suspect you or your child has it.

ADHD affects Dysgraphia and Handwriting.

Kids who have dysgraphia are more likely to be impacted if they have ADHD.   Children have difficulty with organizing thoughts their thoughts on paper. They struggle to form letters correctly.   They have trouble with using small finger musculature when they handwrite. It is hard for them to remember what they writing as they are writing it. Furthermore, kids who have ADHD also may have challenges with regulating their thoughts and emotions. They have difficulty keeping organized. It is really hard to make quick changes under stressful situations while writing.

How does OT help people with ADHD and Dysgraphia?

On top of the strategies listed in this article, kids who have ADHD can learn strategies to improve their self regulation.  Improving self regulation also helps with improving handwriting and dysgraphia.  Using programs such as “How does your Engine Run? By Mary Sue Williams and Sherri Shellenburg Or The Zones of Regulation by Leah Kuypers are great tools to improve self regulation. Working with an occupational therapist who is trained to integrate both self-regulation strategies as well as beginning to tune into interoception cues or body signals that the child is missing in the moment are another important piece of the puzzle.  Kids with ADHD and dysgraphia need a skilled Occupational Therapist who has knowledge of how to improve handwriting and help with self regulation.  This combination is one key to success.

I am a Pediatric Occupational Therapist with extensive training in the skills for handwriting as well as self regulation and interoception.  I’d love to help! Reach out! Let’s talk!