Dsygraphia or just poor handwriting?

[Peaceseeker]

Deleted for privacy- thanks for the help!

Edited March 9, 2017 by CaliforniaDreaming

[Guest]

Giving you a bump.

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[Schadenfreude]

Bad pencil grip can cause hand pain. The best way to tell if it's dysgraphia is to try to teach them cursive. Everyone (including specialists) thought my dd was dysgraphic until she learned cursive. It's more artistic so it appealed to her and all the letter sizes and spacing were built in instead of arbitrary spaces between letters and bigger spaces between words. I taught her using cursive first. They have the kids master pencil grip before anything (which cured my dd's hand pain). It also teaches numbers. I hope you find the answers you need. The questioning is always so hard. :grouphug:

 

Editing to clarify: My dd was undiagnosed as dysgraphic because she was able to learn cursive.

Edited February 23, 2017 by Schadenfreude

[Storygirl]

Does he have trouble with other fine motor tasks?

[Heathermomster]

My dysgraphic struggles with cursive and print.  Processing issues remain processing issues irrespective of the font.  Maybe cursive handwriting is more legible but still difficult.  Both of my kiddos required OT and ped PT work.  DS types everything and my DD will be heading in that direction shortly.

[Guest]

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Edited August 17, 2017 by Guest

[Heathermomster]

When DS was younger, I purchased several pencil grips for him to experiment with.  He actually likes the Twist and Write pencil.  Poor pencil grasp is very difficult to alter.  Maybe check out the adapted tripod grasp.  You could also incorporate a slant board or turn a 3" binder sideways.

 

For increasing hand strength, wheelbarrow walking is excellent.  My DD performed pushups head down with her feet propped up on an exercise ball.  She also performed core exercises using the ball.  

 

By mid-5th grade, DS started using a basic typing program for 20 minutes daily.  He took a break at 10 min intervals.  I purchased an ergonomic keyboard and used the OSHA website to ensure the keyboard tray, chair, and monitor height were properly adjusted to my DS.  

 

For the paragraph composing issues associated with dysgraphia, we use IEW products, a poetry study, and informal logic.  

 

For math, DS uses 1/2" graph paper printed up in a light gray color.

 

 

Edited February 23, 2017 by Heathermomster

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[Peaceseeker]

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Edited March 9, 2017 by CaliforniaDreaming

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[Heathermomster]

My DS is 2e and has built tons of Legos and models. DS likes drawing in 3D, drafting, and editing work on the PC.

 

WRT handwriting SLDs, the two are called SLD of written expression and the other is Developmental Coordination Disorder.

 

WIth my DD, I am starting to press handwriting and copywork. I use StartWrite sw and taught her New American Cursive. With the StartWrite software, I can print handwriting sheets with a middle and top line plus adjust the font size. Anyways, I plan on pressing handwriting with DD for the next three months. If I see no improvement, I plan to hire an NP for an evaluation. In spite of her handwriting delays, DD is an outstanding violin player.

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[Heathermomster]

Slouching...Son quit doing that after PED pt work. They worked on either atnr and stnr reintegration exercises and followed up with posture exercises and weight training. He walks differently now and sits 100â„… better.

[Guest]

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[Heathermomster]

He was about 15yo and under the supervision of the PT. He used stretchy bands and weights.

 

Eta: I need to add that if the posture and reflex work had been dealt with properly when DS was younger, he might not have needed the therapies that he later received. The unintegrated reflexes led to left side weakness and posture issues. I push OT and ped PT so much because I regret delaying for so long.

 

I've never found a book that fully addresses dysgraphia. Maybe a book exists. It's just I've never read it. All of our experiences have been through trial and error punctuated by poor understanding with teachers who were clueless. OP, the biggest takeway I have learned is to accommodate. If the issues persist, pursue testing, accommodate, and then get on with your life because handwriting is a goofy hill to die on.

Edited February 24, 2017 by Heathermomster

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[Heathermomster]

Both kids worked with the PT 2 x per week and did homework 4-5 times per week. Exercises took maybe 20 minutes, and it was a family affair.

 

Neither child performed a ton of crunches. With DD, the focus was stability ball work on the core with a couple of yoga moves that I did not recognize at the time..

 

My kids had about 3 months total each of therapies, and they are not on the spectrum. With an ASD disgnosis, you could be in and out of therapy for awhile. I don't see how PT/OT could work without homework.

 

Now that I think about this more, swimming helped my DD immensely. In swim class, she performed laps for at least 30 minutes straight. There are multiple ways to get the strength work in. My DD is low tone too, and I forgot about that.

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[Heathermomster]

Poor posture, slouching at the desk, and the need to extend legs while sitting at a desk are indicative of STNR. Standing at the counter to complete work...DS used to stand and then sit on a barstool to complete his math. My boy weighed over 9lbs when he was born. I am not trying to identify any child's condition, I'm merely stating what I observed with DS.

 

No one was more surprised than I was when my kids were evaluated by the PT because they had previous OT work. I thought we were done, but then I observed things that seemed a little off. I have never noted "w" sitting with either of my children and neither of my kids were expected to perform seat work until they were pre-k. These children are walking enigmas and none of it makes sense, but a competent OT can identify and rule out issues quickly. Anyhoo...

 

Good luck!

Edited February 24, 2017 by Heathermomster

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