Year 3 cannot write

[onlyoranges]

I really don't know what to do next. After so many interventions I have lost count my dd still cannot form her letters. She is now starting to notice she is different from her peers. What can I do? Been into school they will continue with interventions but nothing is working. Any suggestions? Every other area is fine eg maths, science etc. She is eloquent and has a good vocab. She does not struggle to hold a pencil. She cannot read back her own writing. We have always do loads at school. She has an elder brother who has had no difficulties. Help!!

Have to disagree with hiccupgirl - could well be dyslexia. School aren't competent to do an assessment and evaluate whether or not she has dyslexia indicators, so I wouldn't accept their findings.

schools have access to those who are qualified to diagnose dyslexia and there are many reliable screening tools available

So would you say I should have a private dyslexia assessment undertaken?

Only if you have money to burn

If you have a local branch of the Dyslexia Association near you then it might be worthwhile contacting them for support and advice on an assessment.

Also I just want to say well done on being so proactive. Your support will make a massive difference to your DD.

Have you considered an eye test my ds is longsighted and had dreadful difficulties reading and writing until he was tested. Once he got glasses it all fell into place although he had a lot of catching up to do.

Just to derail slightly (sorry, OP) I have a Y3 DS whose writing is OK but oh so very very s l o w that it's a battle to get him to write anything. Reads incredibly fast and with good comprehension so not dyslexia. Good hand-eye coordination too since he was little for everything bar writing. It's just that which is the problem!

I have just ordered the "speed up" book! Fingers crossed it helps. Thankyou very much for the recommendation.

Re:what would an OT be able to tell us?
An OT would look for underlying physical or perceptual difficulties that may be causing her handwriting difficulties. An experienced OT would also be likely to to be able to pick up on any dyslexic type tendencies (although they are unable to diagnose this). OTs (and some physios) probably know more about handwriting than any others, especially, sadly, teachers.
Does your daughter have any other motor difficulties other than handwriting? Does she trip often? Struggle with knife and fork? Struggle with buttons/zips/dressing etc? If so then it may be that she has more of a developmental coordination disorder/dyspraxia affecting her handwriting. If it's only handwriting and nothing else at all then maybe more dyslexia.
I think a good place to start is to go to your GP for a referral to a paediatric OT. Find out where he's referring you to and give them a ring to ask about what their waiting times are like. Unfortunately in some areas, handwriting/coordination problems are low priority (though I would argue they should be very high priority as they can have a massive impact on the child and their education).
If the waiting times are very long and you can afford a private assessment then look into it. If that's not an option for you (as it isn't for most) tell them you will accept any cancellations. Ring regularly so that they are aware if you (yes they might get fed up of you but you'll be the first person they think of when there's an appointment available at short notice!)

www.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk/downloads/dcd/DCD_TopTipsHandwriting.pdf
A link to a simple handwriting advice sheet

Thank you Aplace I appreciate your kind words. I wish I didn't have to fight but feel like school would just leave her to get on with it. I have given up with them really.

She doesn't have any other problems doing anything buttons,laces, riding a bike. Not clumsy at all.

We took her for an eye test as one of the first things to rule out and had a colour overlay assessment undertaken privately. They showed nothing.

Thank you for explaining the role of an OT.

School may have access to dyslexia specialist but the SEN co-ordinator says she is not dyslexic even though her deputy does. So therefore they won't investigate that any further and as far as I understand they are not duty bound to do so? Although that could be mis-information?

I am going to ring the doctor first thing. I have already spoken with the dyslexia association, I have an appointment with an ed psych to discuss things for them to give their perspective dd will not be present and am going on a dyslexia info talk. Can anyone think of anything else I can do?

dysgraphia.org.uk/

Is it dysgraphia?

I've been reading up on the new ALN legislation tabled for Wales and I think there are similarities with the legislation already in place in England.
In Wales, under the new rules, if you felt you had a strong case, you would be able to appeal to the Local Authority about the school's decision not to proceed with an investigation, especially as her difficulties seem to be specific in nature. Maybe it's worth checking in England?

If she is nearly average in reading and above average in maths, this is specific. The trouble with a private dyslexia assessment is that you may end up with a 'yes she's dyslexic' when she might not be. So she might be put on a list as dyslexic and given interventions that wouldn't suit her particular specific difficulty.

You could also ask for the DTVP 3 to rule out visual perception difficulties (not the kind of thing picked up by a standard eye test).

Just wondering, can she draw? Or colour in accurately? You mentioned that her maths is good, how does she manage with writing numbers, or drawing shapes?
If the issue is pen control, then an OT can help. But if it's a memory issue, then an Ed.psych or dyslexia expert might be more useful.

Now that is an interesting point Delph!!!! She can write numbers! I had never thought of that. Not fantastically but much better than letters and you can tell what they are at a glance. She can also draw shapes.

Put it in context to write numbers she needs to remember 10 numerals (shapes perhaps less than 10?) and 26 letters

Yes mrz I see your point there!

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