Dyspraxia And Handwriting: How To Support A Child Who Finds Writing Hard

Adapted Handwriting Practice

How Does Dyspraxia Affect Handwriting?

Dyspraxia makes handwriting slow and effortful because the movements for each letter do not become automatic as easily. The NHS describes DCD as a condition affecting physical co-ordination, and lists handwriting and drawings that "may appear scribbled and less developed" compared with other children of the same age among its signs. Common effects on writing include:

• Slow writing that falls behind in class.
• Tiredness or aching in the hand.
• Uneven size and spacing.
• Difficulty copying from the board.
• A tight or unusual grip.

The NHS stresses that DCD does not affect how intelligent a child is. The gap between what a child knows and what they get onto paper is often the most frustrating part, for the child and for adults. The DfE writing framework makes the same point about any child with an uncomfortable pencil hold or weak postural control: they get distracted by the physical difficulty and cannot concentrate on the content of their writing.

An occupational therapist assesses fine movement activities such as writing, and works with the child, family and teachers to adapt tasks. The school's SENCo is usually the route to that advice.

How Can You Support A Child With Dyspraxia To Write?

Reduce the load so the child's effort goes into fewer, better movements.

In class:

1. Teach one letter or join at a time, and consolidate it before moving on.
2. Use multisensory practice. See multisensory teaching.
3. Check the child's view of the model. The DfE framework says every pupil needs a good view of what is being modelled.
4. Give motor breaks in long writing tasks.
5. Mark the ideas, not only the handwriting.

See handwriting lines and handwriting worksheets.

What Helps At Home?

Keep practice short, playful and in your school's style.

• Short sessions. A few minutes a day.
• Fine motor play. Playdough, pegs and tweezers. See fine motor skills.
• Set up the seat. Feet flat and forearms on the table. See handwriting posture.
• Regular exercise. The NHS says it is generally considered beneficial for children with DCD.
• Praise effort. Notice what went well before what to fix.

Should A Child With Dyspraxia Use A Keyboard?

Many children with dyspraxia benefit from learning to type alongside handwriting, so that writing tasks are not limited by how fast they form letters. The NHS notes that access to a computer makes homework easier and that some schools provide a laptop. Schools decide this with the family and the SENCo, and teachers sometimes request extra time in exams for older children. See handwriting speed.

What Is The Difference Between Dyspraxia And Dysgraphia?

Dyspraxia (DCD) is a difficulty with co-ordinating movement in general, while dysgraphia describes difficulty with writing itself. Dysgraphia is not a formal diagnosis in the UK, and many UK assessors say "handwriting difficulties" instead. A child has one, both or neither, and only a professional assessment tells them apart.

The NHS says a definite DCD diagnosis does not usually happen before age 5. If you are worried, speak to your GP or health visitor, or the school's SENCo. See improve your child's handwriting.