Pediatric Occupational Therapist to help with handwriting- St Albans

[milkywhite]

DD's teacher today noticed that she has a 'dip' in her finger joint and she doesn't grasp pencil properly. She has suggested me to consult a Paediatric OT (a handwriting specialist) to help her with this condition. Any anyone faced a similar situation. Any recommendations would be highly appreciated.

The person, I suggested is not on this register:

www.cotss-ip.org.uk/find

but it may help you find somebody else in the area?

Have you looked at Hemispheres in St Albans? They are private OTs who specialise in children with developmental issues and have a handwriting program as part of this.

You should be able to ask your GP for a referral to an OT to help with handwriting but we have just waited for 6 months for an appointment for our DS in your area.

There are lots of different types of pencil grips that may be able to help her in the meantime. These can help a child establish a correct pencil grip. Our DD really benefited from one of these

www.amazon.co.uk/Stabilo-Easy-Pink-Right-Handed/dp/B000J68CMI/ref=pd_sim_office_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0XRW01JVZPHJ6JKRVSJE

Good luck!

Thanks all,

tempe48: I have contacted your person. Haven't met her yet. will let you know of any feedback :) Thanks anyways.

blossbloss: I contacted Hemispheres too. They sound really good and professional but too expensive. i still have them on my list, but will try them later. About GP referrals, I have heard it is too long wait, I might just start the process and see when I get one.

I have also contacted author of book 'Speed Up!: a Kinaesthetic Programme' for recommendations and she suggested different types of writing tools that I am going to have a look at, after consulting a Ped OT.

Someone, please tell me I am worrying too much for none reason :(

milkywhite

Is this any help?

In terms of reassurance, look at the ridiculous pressures on school heads to make sure all 'non-SEN' dc tick 'national expectations' boxes in everything, including handwriting.

If there's an OT need, school and/or the GP should agree to refer. And if there isn't, parents shouldn't be pressurised into paying large sums for private testing.