Originally Posted by
bullkin
Our OT also often tells us that grip and pressure have to do with core issues. She always works with him on writing after some core exercises and some "stimulating" exercises for his hand. I tried that at home as well - have him do some core exercises and then some find motor exercises (like stringing, picking up with tongs) and then do writing and/or coloring. I had much better success at that time. Once he started to get stronger in his core and also once he got the hang of it (the pressure and grip) it started to get better.
I agree with core playing a part for many kids. Obviously, many kids need to work on hand, wrist, and finger muscle strength. However, if there are issues with tone or a weak core, then kids can't get that distal control of their hands. They need a good base of stability in their core before they can have the fine control needed in the hand muscles.
Handwriting can also be affected by visual processing, bimanual integration (using two hands, as kids need to stabilize the paper w/ one hand in order to write with the other), etc. That's why working with an OT with a focus on handwriting can be a huge help...there is a lot to tease out, as there are so many things that have to come together for kids to write.
Agree with PPs that HWOT can be very good, and OTs do sometimes adjust various writing grip tools or weighted pencils. There are even tools like weighted gloves. Depending on what the OT is seeing, sometimes they also use weighted vests. Again, the solution is going to come back to the contributing factors, of which there can be many! Some kids probably benefit from doing heavy work prior to sitting down to write, but again, that depends on the cause and what the OT thinks are the major contributing factors.
Last edited by brittone2; 10-26-2013 at 09:52 AM.
Mama to DS-2004
DD-2006
and a new addition-ds born march 2010