Dyspraxia and learning to type

[sunnyfields25]

My 6-year-old son has autism and dyspraxia. After a recent assessment the OT suggested it might be time to get him learning to touch type, because he struggles so much with writing. He has lots of ideas and things he wants to get down on the page, but having to write it all down is holding him back.

The OT suggested Dance Mat Typing on the BBC site, and I bought a special children's keyboard and mouse in preparation. But after one go my son got really frustrated with the game and said he didn't want to do it again (I don't blame him - I found it difficult!). He is quite stubborn and hates doing anything at home that is obviously 'learning', and also hates doing anything he finds difficult.

So now we're stuck with him refusing to learn typing, but at the same time struggling to get his thoughts down on paper due to the dyspraxia affecting his writing skills.

Has anyone else been in this situation and had any success with teaching your child to type and transition to using a computer instead of/alongside writing? If so, how on earth did you do it?!

Many thanks in advance 🙂

All kids are different of course and I’m in no way qualified to know but 6 is still so little I think! I would have thought a scribe at school would be more appropriate maybe at this age? along with carrying on the usual play-based motor skills stuff that OT suggest, and very slowly getting used to using a computer keyboard for the future, rather than actually learning to touch type all at once now?

My DD is similar and the first sign of her getting frustrated I just have to back right off.

I also find leaving things lying around for her to just pick up and do if she wants works much better than saying “right sit doesn we’re going to do X”. Not sure if that’s feasible with the computer, a document open to write whatever in?

You could try speech to text software &/or a scribe. If you want to persevere with touch typing try Kaz Neurodiverse Typing Tutor!

What about something like Clicker instead? My ds used this at his ms school.

https://www.cricksoft.com/uk/clicker

I know what you mean about 6 being little - it was obvious when we tried the Dance Mat software that it was way too advanced. Think we will take a gentler approach of just trying to get him interested in typing for now, through games etc, rather than properly learning to touch type.

Speech to text software or a scribe is a good idea. I just haven't a clue how we'd persuade the school to provide/facilitate these things. We're already battling them on several other points at the mo.

Clicker looks good - I can't tell if it's more to aid reading, or if it can be used to get thoughts written up too?

Does DS have an EHCP? If so, you can request an early review in order to try to get the EHCP amended to include the necessary provision. Although you may have to appeal. Once it is detailed, specified and quantified in the EHCP it must be provided and can be enforced. If DS doesn’t have an EHCP, you can request an EHCNA yourself. IPSEA has a model letter you can use.

Yes DS does have an EHCP and the annual review is actually due before Christmas anyway. We also have some other issues as well that we're still researching/preparing to fight with the school for, so we might wait until the review is due and then try to get this included too.

Do you think he would use an iPad or tablet to type? It might feel more like ‘fun’ than working at a computer.
Show him how he can text you, or his Gran, or friend or whoever.

Clicker looks good - I can't tell if it's more to aid reading, or if it can be used to get thoughts written up too?

I learnt Clicker 4 to help DD, so hopefully it’s not changed too much; but yes it can be used to support writing. Iirc, say they know cat begins with sound “c”, they can access the word bank for “c”. The word “cat” is there, with a picture of a cat above it. DC can use the mouse to point and click on “cat” and it gets added to DC’s sentence. Then repeat for the next word. Clicker helps DC to produce written work, they can read and be proud of! DD used it in the Juniors, so probably a 6 year old can use it?

At about 10 or 11. DD learnt to touch type with “Type to Learn”, which they used at her specialist speech and language school. DD and many of her friends had dyspraxia, along with any combination of speech/language disorders, dyslexia, ASD, etc you name it!

(Type to Learn still seems to still be available; probably an updated version)

PS - DC can type in the normal way to produce written words. Iirc, the word banks are there to support development of reading/writing skills with visual support including symbols above words where possible. It can also speak the words like “cat” as DC points and clicks; and then speak the sentences DC has written so far!

@Ticktockk yes perhaps, DS does have a tablet with a few games on which he doesn't really use much. So we should maybe get that set up for typing to see if it's more appealing.

@Quisquam thanks, I've just had a better look ay Clicker and I can see DS getting on with that much better than trying to learn touch typing! It seems much more user friendly especially for younger children. I've realised how much money it costs to buy though😬So we'd definitely need to get the school on board.