Handwriting

[Bobobab]

Hello we've just made it through reception... my ds has received his autism diagnosis and his ehcp funding has been increased for next year... with ups and downs of course all in all its been a successful year!

He didn't meet the expected level for reception his teacher had told us to expect this because of his handwriting some time ago. He is as expected for reading and maths which were my main concern because my thoughts were who writes anymore anyway but I've been thinking I can and probably should do more to help. Does anyone have any guidance on things they have seen help? He still can't write his name legibly...

I'm sure he has dyspraxia but they don't diagnose that in our area... struggles with coordination, executive function and fine motor skills. He also struggles with sport requiring coordination but he is quite strong and fast which masks that at the moment.

Did the EHCNA include an OT assessment and does the EHCP include OT provision?

Things like threading beads, theraputty, play-doh, writing in sand, painting the fence with water, lego, kneading dough, decorating biscuits, using tweezers, wheelbarrow walking, swimming, climbing can help.

Thank you! We don't have a paediatric OT in the area, we've been on the waiting list for over a year and the LA won't put it on his EHCP they just refer to guidelines for his 1 to 1 to use. We are paying for a private OT this year for sensory and handwriting. He struggles with confidence which makes and fine motor activities tough, I will try theraputty as I think we can make that fun!

OT should be in the EHCP. You should request an early review with the aim of getting it included. Following an early review, if the LA doesn’t make the necessary amendments, you can appeal.

The EHCNA could have included an OT assessment. Assessments undertaken during the needs assessment have to be completed within the statutory timescales, even if that means the LA commission on independent assessment, you don’t have to sit on the normal waiting lists.

I’m a teacher, I would second a referral to occupational therapy