What is Dysgraphia and how does it affect handwriting?
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 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.
Let’s talk about dysgraphia.
We know that there are 3 different kinds of dysgraphia and each one needs to be treated in a special way.
1. Dyslexic dysgraphia– is related to dyslexia and needs lots of support from a speech therapist as well as an Occupational therapist with special knowledge in treating dysgraphia.
Typically, an Occupational Therapist helps with the motor part of the dysgraphia. The speech therapist works on the language part. Some kids also benefit from a very specific type of training for dyslexia when working with a specialist; look for someone trained in the Orton-Gillingham Approach.
2. Motor dysgraphia– refers to motor challenges the child has. This type of dysgraphia needs a lot of work from an Occupational Therapist. Try to find one with extra training in hand skills. These motor skills are associated with dyspraxia.
Having your child work with an Occupational Therapist who intensively treats your child to improve fine motor skills, strengthening intrinsic finger muscles of the hand for improved handwriting, and may work on motor skills of the whole body. The Occupational Therapist may additionally focus on letter formation to improve handwriting skills; making sure the letters are formed correctly.
3. Spatial dysgraphia– is related to visual perception and can be addressed by OT and vision specialists.
You may consider finding an Occupational Therapist who works with your child intensively to find adaptive methods for handwriting as well as methods to improve your child’s visual perceptual skills. Together, these treatment tools will improve handwriting motor skills and the way your child perceives the letters when writing them.
What are some of your favorite activities (that can be done AT HOME) to address dysgraphia?
One of my favorite pieces of equipment to work with kiddos at home is a scooter-board. The scooter-board is so versatile!! We can work on visual tracking, strengthening, use of the 2 sides fo the body, balance, timing and rhythm as well as many other things.
