Problems writing

[pipkin]

My 7 yr old son has always found writing difficult despite being intelligent and of above average in other subjects. We've always found it difficult to practice with him at home too as he just isn't interested. He has just started at Middle School and I met his teacher last week who is obviously aware of the problem. Without mentioning it to me, she has now given him some sort of 'grip' attachment for his pen to help. As far as I'm aware he's the only child in the class to have one, so I feel a bit upset about that. I'm hopeful it'll 'just happen overnight' but just wondered if anyone has any advice / tips please? As his teacher said she thinks it's unusual as he is so intelligent and obviously this isn't being reflected in the presentation of his work. She made mention of possible dyspraxia - which we don't know anything about.

My 12 year old has dyspraxia. she still finds it easier to write using pens with a grip. They sell these pens in all stationary shops and a lot of children use them. Having a grip on his pencil will help him be able to hold it properly.
children with dyspraxia often find it difficult to write as well as having other co-ordination problems. My daughter also udes a writing slope. Well she doos if she remembers it. This helps her writing as dyspraxic children find it easier to write on a raised surface Hope this helps

My 15 year old son has dyspraxia. If you feel your son has it, it would be useful to get a diagnosis to enable him to receive the help he needs-in hand-writing and other areas.Have you noticed any other problems-difficulties tying laces, using knife and fork etc? Dyspraxic children usually find things like jigsaw puzzles very difficult and may take ages to learn to ride a bike etc.There are obviously loads of other possible symptoms as well.
Your sons school should make a referral for him to be assessed if they really think there is a problem. You can also request a referral to a paediatrician through your GP.But do it sooner rather than later-my sons school refused to accept he had a problem and I had to take the GP route. He was 9 when he was evetually diagnosed, but obviously, the sooner the better.

I've taught a couple of dyspraxic children (secondary) and as well as he writing on a slope/pen grip things, there can be funding available to provide the child with a laptop computer which reduces the difficlties r.e. reading handwriting etc. So it might be worth seeing if your ds does need such a diagnosis.
One problem these kids can have is fear of standing out from the others (which your post touched on pipkin)but laptop 'cool'factor seems to outweigh this.Also, the sooner he starts to use these aids, the sooner they will become'normal' both to him and the other pupils.

My DS is also dyspraxic and had a grip pen and a triangle shaped block to put on his desk. TBH I don't think the other kids at school take much notice these days.

Thank you so much for your replies and advice, I feel a lot more aware now.

Does he press hard with the pencil....get arm ache quickly and have irregular spacing of words?

There is something called DYSGRAPHIA..... which is easily found on GOOGLE....lots of ways to help too!

My 10yo son is dyspraxic (DCD) and also has hand writing concerns - amongst other things. He too is intelligent etc...
I hadn't heard about it until ds changed school and his class teacher (SENCO) mentioned it to me. As your ds's teacher has mentioned it to you, can I suggest you speak to him/her again and ask how the school is able to help you - ie, is there a senco on board, can they please arrange for an educational psychologist to visit at the school to offer an opinion.
Also, when you have heard more from the school/ed psych pop along to your GP.

Dyspraxia is just a title which includes many aspects of abilities which some one may have a problem overcoming. There is plenty online about it but don't get shocked by it all. Your ds could just be having handwriting problems. There are symptom lists and all sorts of things to help a parent understand and read.

As said in the earlier posts, a raised desk helps and allowing the slant of the page when writing. A ruler with a "handle" etc... all helps coordination.
My ds has extra help and attends a sen class at school to help with hand writing. I went to his parents evening tonight and I am chuffed to bits at the difference.

It is a little early to feel as though your ds has to have a (what may be classed as) label but I for one am relieved to understand my son a little better and knowing how to help him overcome his difficulties is a real boost to both of us.

School/Parent relationship is a must. The school has clout for your child and so does the GP. So your aim might be to get yourselves, school and GP working together.
{{{Hugs}}} It is a scary time but I am certain it will all work out for you, which ever way.

PS, dyspraxia is found to be more common in boys than girls and it is only a recent finding.

Tiggi, how does your son cope at secondary school? I am so concerned that my ds will just bomb out and give up.
Also, does/did your ds have socialising probs at junior school, and anger times at home if things weren't going his way?