Though handwriting is primarily taught in school, occupational therapists can have a major role in identifying and treating the deficits that interfere with this skill (Sara & Yvonne, 2002). Research shows that decreased handwriting skills are often caused by “underlying motor, sensory, cognitive, or psychosocial deficits” (Sara & Yvonne, 2002, p. 4). Once the therapist identifies the cause they are then able to create and implement interventions to help improve these skills and overcome those deficits.
In their 2002 study, Sara & Yvonne looked at how occupational therapists can use a multisensory approach to aide in handwriting remediation. They found that using different approaches to handwriting helps in “making learning fun, tapping into as many senses as possible, and stressing the importance of exploring and finding the ways that [patients] learn best” (Sara & Yvonne, 2002, p 309). Using a multisensory approach can help increase the patients visual motor, fine motor, manipulation, and bilateral coordination skills in order to improve their overall performance in handwriting. If you have concerns about your child’s handwriting, please call us today to set up your evaluation!
Resources:
Sara, W., & Yvonne, S. (2002). Multisensory approach to handwriting remediation: Perceptions
of school-based occupational therapists. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, (3), 305. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsovi&AN=edsovi.00000448.200205000.00007&site=eds-live