How old would you assume the child who wrote this was?

[AloyNoraWarrior]

My DS is 9 in Y4. He’s very upset as he said some children in his class have been laughing at his writing. I know he is behind because his school report last term said working towards expectations for every subject. But I’m thinking it must be bad if other children are noticing.

He does have ASD and we are waiting for an ADHD assessment. Last year I asked his teacher if could be assessed for dyslexia because he writes his name incorrectly, but they said they don’t assess children for dyslexia anymore.

I was just wondering how his writing compares to other children his age as I’m not sure what level it should be at. The photo represents his best effort. The second line of the poem is ‘when I am a pest’

All of the words used are either phonetic or YR/1 'tricky' words so the average Y1 and certainly average Y2 child should be using spelling like that. Same with most of the punctuation.

He does have a support plan but I’m not sure what’s on it. I used to have regular meetings with the SENCO but haven’t done so this year. I know he does a few small groups, one is anger management, and another is like a social stories type thing. He also does something called Lexia at lunchtime which he’s not that happy about as he’d rather be out playing.

The past month I’ve let his reading slide because we’ve been working on Tables as he has that multiplication test after half-term which we’ve been told all children must get 100% on, and there’s no way he will get 100%.

The bullying needs addressing, I’ve spoken to the school several times about this sort of thing. The problem is he has the reputation for being the ‘naughty child’ and it seems that other children know which buttons to press and DS ends up the one in trouble.

Definitely start exploring the possibility of home having a laptop to write- but this has to come with touch typing intervention or practice at home (I think there’s some free stuff online )
I would keep reinforcing that is his ideas that are important and he just needs to find a way that works for home to get them on paper. Keep fighting his corner- too many boys get to secondary school who have all the right ideas and understanding but have not been allowed to develop their writing and therefore appear behind.

Definitely get a private assessment if you can afford it. Also assess for dyspraxia

I work in yr 1&2 at the moment and it’s only that reliable at the most able end. Commas are still erratic. This post Covid cohort anyway!

@Benjispruce4 my middles in Y1 would be fine with this aside from potentially spelling love and when, but I can fully understand the varying impact covid has had across schools!

You, when, love, still and nothing are all tricky words.

Don't confuse handwriting and ability. I am a teacher. There are children with the most beautiful handwriting who can barely sound out words. Other children can have untidy handwriting but more than capable at reading and writing. Focus on the actual content, which is lovely! Presentation is a very small part.

They definitely still assess for dyslexia.

My son is 9, he has moderate dyslexia along with some other diagnosis'. His handwriting is completely different in style but probably at a similar level when he puts in his best effort (it's very variable).
I'd be questioning what the school are doing to help. My son has a lot of help. Tasks are broken down so he focuses on 1 thing at a time -so his TA might scribe for him and then he will copy it out after. On top of writing being a major effort, spelling is his weakest area and we aren't close to getting on top of that yet but he is intelligent so he is also starting to use dictation software so he can produce work which reflects his ideas and understanding.
It's true that schools don't in the main really assess or refer for a dyslexia diagnosis - they can screen but most parents have to pay privately for an assessment. I recommend getting a full assessment by an Ed Psych. Schools are likely to pay more attention to it and it's been invaluable he explaining to my son why he struggles more than his peers (which has really helped his self esteem).
The poem clearly shows your son has a lot to offer :)

What a lovely pest 🥰

Handwriting means nothing OP, I’ve not met a doctor with legible writing yet!

That is a beautiful poem. You have a very sweet boy. All the best to you

I'd push for a dyslexia and dysppraxia assessment looking at his writing. He may have issues with fine moter control ans oftenthey occur together . My son had writing similar at his age ,it did improve bit not alot.. At 17 he was pick up as having issues and given a key board for exams it was a game changer..

My 19 year old just wrote a card to his grandma and it was very similar. He has ASD and ADHD.

School wasn't good for him as bullied but now he's thriving in the world of work, living in a shared house and has a nice steady girlfriend.