As humans, we have developed many different ways to communicate with each other. These include both verbal and nonverbal methods. Throughout time, man has used sounds, pictures, and has developed language to tell stories and pass along information to others. With the use of language comes the need for writing. Handwriting is an important gross motor skill that normally develops at a young age. Along with social and behavioral difficulties, children with autism can have difficulty developing motor skills such as handwriting.
For children with autism, the ability to communicate with others can be diminished. They can also have a hard time developing gross/fine motor skills, such as handwriting. An article written for Web MD.com, they cited a study that shows high achieving kids with autism often have trouble with handwriting. It’s almost as if highly functioning children with autism could not get their pen to obey them. The same article cites Amy J. Bastian and her colleagues at the Kennedy Krieger Institute for developing a test that uses five aspects of handwriting to show that normal intelligence kids with autism can space, align, and size their letters as well as children without autism. Since these children also have a hard time grasping a pen or utensils, the problem appears to be motor skill related. An occupational therapist may help an autistic child develop better handwriting by steadying their writing hand with their other hand or using thicker/weighted pens or pencils. Better autism handwriting can be achieved through therapy and hard work.
The ability to develop or improve handwriting skills will greatly help your child not only communicate better but will help them immensely in the classroom. The best way to achieve this is to have your child evaluated by an occupational therapist, who can design a specific therapy plan for your child.
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Melissa & Doug Pound A Peg | Weighted Hand Writing Glove |
Whatever method you choose, handwriting skills can be improved through a little practice and repetition.
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