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[*lifeoftheparty*]

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Edited December 18, 2016 by *lifeoftheparty*

[clemota]

You may want to cross-post this on the Learning Challenges Board, there is a lot of discussion on forms of dysgraphia there.

 

It's hard to say whether or not that is the issue in your DS's case - but in general, if you suspect something is "off" with your child, then usually something is.  You can trust that mommy instinct.

 

As for where to start to either confirm or rule out your suspicions, a neuro-psych eval is generally considered a good place to start.  You may be able to get some basic testing done through your local school district, though it varies from place to place (and the results may not be as helpful, since they can't really diagnose anything.)

I'm hoping others will chime in here with more info - I've just begun the journey with my 11DD, diagnosed last month with stealth dyslexia (and dysgraphia, which is a huge part of it), so I'm still learning the ropes myself. 

[OneStepAtATime]

:grouphug:  :grouphug:  :grouphug:

My son is your age and has dysgraphia.  I will say that it certainly sounds like your son may have a form of dysgraphia also, which just basically means difficulty with writing beyond developmental norms.  That label doesn't actually tell you WHY he is having writing difficulties, only that his writing struggles are outside developmental norms.  Does that make sense?

 

Every child is different.  There could be a lot of reasons for the underlying issues.  He might need Occupational Therapy.  He may actually have an undiagnosed developmental vision issue and need Vision Therapy.  He could have stealth dyslexia.  He could have all three issues plus something else.  Is your pediatrician very knowledgeable?  Mine wasn't.  Neither was the first person who assessed my kids.  I would seek help from your pediatrician if they have a clue, or go straight to a neuropsych if they don't.

 

My DS has dysgraphia but his handwriting was actually quite nice in Kinder and 1st because they explicitly taught him how to write on the big tablet paper and his form of dysgraphia did not prevent him from learning that format.  He is still struggling to transition to any other form of paper writing surface/format.  He does o.k. with dry erase boards that have the guide lines printed on them and we are using a set that has the lines get smaller.  He cannot effectively copy from something written in a different size and font or handwriting to paper sitting in front of him.  He has a lot of trouble with spacing (he usually tries to use his finger between each word to give himself some guidance.).  The size of each letter tends to be all over, especially when he gets tired.  He cannot print legibly in small spaces.   He does better with cursive but it is tiring to write in any form.

 

Suggestions:

1. Talk to your pediatrician and see if there are any specialists in your area that could help.  Or seek out a neuropsychologist directly, but check with your insurance first.

 

2.  Cut way back on handwriting requirements and look at software help like the following while you seek a better path:

 

a.  Dragon Naturally Speaking.  We are planning to use this next year.  It takes spoken words and converts them to text.  

b.  Ginger - software corrects what is typed in (such as the speech that was converted to text) and corrects grammar/spelling/etc.

c.  Inspiration/Kidspiration software - it helps organize thoughts

d.  Various math software programs that help kids type out math instead of having to hand write everything.

 

Understand that the software is not a crutch.  It is a tool to allow him to actually express his thoughts and organize his writing without the extreme difficulties he is experiencing with the physical act of writing getting in the way of that process.  You can still work on handwriting a little each day, but get help with how to help him.

 

3.  Let him dictate while you scribe, except for limited writing assignments each day while you are seeking answers and options.  

 

4.  Work systematically on ONE thing until it is mastered.  In other words, if you are wanting him to focus on capitalization, just do that for a while.  

 

5.  Be understanding and sympathetic.  Dysgraphia is very frustrating for the child as well as the parent.  And it can be incredibly wearing and even painful to write for many with this issue (whatever the underlying issue may be).  

 

6.  Consider getting an eye exam through a Developmental Optometrist (check the site linked below to see if any are in your area).  My son has 20/15+ vision.  It is perfect.  He flies through normal vision screenings with no issue.  But after recommendations from women on the Learning Challenges board (which I recommend you post on), I just this year took him to a Developmental Optometrist instead of a normal Optometrist or Ophthalmologist and insisted on a Developmental eye exam.  Sure enough, my son has heterophoria.  His left eye tracks upward, just slightly out of alignment, which has been contributing to his issues with reading and writing.  And not one eye doctor caught it until now and it was not noticeable to a layman unless you know what to look for.

 

http://www.covd.org/

 

7.  Be aware that depending on what is causing the issues he may very well have difficulties with writing by hand for the rest of his life.  That does not mean he will never be able to write a paper or fill out forms, etc.  It just means that he may not "grow out of it" or "get over it" or suddenly have a light bulb moment where it all gels together.  With help he will hopefully show improvement over time, though.  

 

8.  if you haven't already, consider trying him out with a typing program.  Go REALLY REALLY slowly and systematically.  Work on accuracy of finger placement.  Take it one letter at a time.  Keep it to 5 words per minute or less for expectations, unless he seems to be able to handle more.  Be incredibly patient and systematic.  Dysgraphia can also mean difficulties with typing because of the left/right crossing, etc.  But in the long run typing could be a huge help.

 

I hope some of this helps.  I know it is frustrating.  Huge hugs.... :grouphug:

[angelmama1209]

you have just described my 9yo dd, only i think hers is just laziness. when i sit with her and MAKE her form each letter correctly and remind her about spacing, it can be fairly decent, but if not... she's never liked that actual ACT of writing and HATES writing for school, though she writes stories all day long in her bed. i've gone back to remedial handwriting. she's doing the same worksheets as her pre k and k sisters.

[Lieutenant Stranger]

Is he an only? The oldest? I ask because my kids, since they are homeschooled, had never really seen other kids' handwriting before. 

 

I mean, when I was at school...I saw other kids' writing all the time! I knew what was good and what was bad. My kids do not.

 

Writing has been a very slow process for us. What is helping is really FOCUSING on it, either through copywork or handwriting workbooks. Remind for awhile that there must be a space between each word, otherwise it is all one long word. He may never have great handwriting (I still have trouble reading my husband's writing) but you should be able to make it a bit better. 

[Crimson Wife]

Have you tried cursive? My DS has *HORRIBLE* print penmanship, but his cursive isn't too bad. If I showed you samples, you'd never guess that they came from the same kid. You'd probably guess that the print came from a kindergartner while his cursive is within the normal range for an 8 y.o.

[*lifeoftheparty*]

Thanks everyone! Sorry I haven't replied- been at a field trip all day- and now I have to go make dinner- but I am reading these suggestions to discuss with DH tonight so we can figure out a game plan to help DS :)

[OneStepAtATime]

I would like to add that when I was posting up thread to cut back on handwriting right now, I meant to preface that with cut back if he is miserable or fighting you a lot on writing or seems to really be struggling daily.  If he doesn't mind, but is just not very accurate and/or slow and you can be systematic and keep him engaged then you shouldn't need to cut down on the writing much while you explore what may be happening.  On the flip side, you don't want the physical act to become something he dreads, something that the two of you push against each other on, etc. or you have lost half the battle.   Lets face it, even as adults if we are forced to do something that is exceedingly difficult for us no matter how much we try and in which we have no real intrinsic interest, we tend to avoid it....like the plague.  But if we see value in it and feel successful, even if we aren't masters at it we are far more likely to try harder.

 

Hope the field trip went well.  Best wishes....