What to do about writing?

[debs40]

DS (6 nearly 7) has come home with his SATs targets for writing which seem to be be 1a/2c. This is about his level although I understand, as far as key stage 1 goes, it is average/below average.

DS is on the waiting list for ASD dx but is being treated as if dx'd in the sense we have been given OT support and assistance through Early Bird Plus etc.

DS is bright but his writing is poor. He struggles with his grip and even just sitting straight. The OT sees his problems as being connected to poor muscle tone, hypermobility and proprioceptive hypersensitivity.

So far, his teachers have given nothing in the way of support. They take the view that 'all boys hate writing'.

But I can see him struggling even with these targets which also include planning and organising his thoughts. It seems really unfair that he gets absolutely no assistance on this. It as not even mentioned on his crap IEP. The OT was baffled.

She has not completed her report yet and I'm hoping that this will help when she makes recommendations but I'm so upset that no help has been offered to date despite everything I've said about this issue.

I'm sure that many children struggle with writing but this is not a problem down to beign commensurate with age.

Sorry, I think I'm just ranting but I'm not sure what I can do save to practise at home and he will HATE that. He already thinks he's rubbish at writing and is really sensitive about it.

My DS (8), ASD, also had massive problems with writing. He would only make marks in reception, and didn't write any recognisable letters until Yr 1. Our O/T recommended a weighted wrist cuff which I had to order from America. Using it was incorporated into his IEP targets, and it did improve his poor muscle tone. He's now Yr 4 and although still behind, can now write sentences independantly.

I'm sorry but I can't remember where I had to order it from, but if you ask your O/T, she should have some idea?

Would the school be willing to let him type his work instead of writing it by hand? My ds is in the process of learning how to type so that he no longer gets slowed down by trying to write everything.

Does he use a wedge cushion (sorry, I can never remember the proper name for them) when sitting in his chair? Ds' cushion makes a big difference to him. Without it he tends to eventually slide off the chair, and loses his concentration because he's wriggling about while trying to stay upright.

Link to the cushion is here.

Thanks for the suggestions. I suppose the real problem is that the school have so far proved completely unwilling to do anything without an OT's report. This is despite the fact that the OT offered advice whilst we were on her waiting list and despite the fact that I have forwarded her suggestions while we've been undergoing assessment.

The cushion was metioned a while back but they didn't want to make him look different.

He can's sit still in his seat either coppertop and when we went to bibic they thought that was a massive issue and it's all over their report.

Yet, school would not have picked this up. Nor have they done anything to address it.

Are all schools like this?

I suppose I will have to wait for the OT's report and then argue the toss.

Same thing going on here... hypomobility, poor muscle tone, and DS (6) can't even hold a pencil properly let alone make controlled marks.

His teacher ( who was previously a paediatric nurse) suggested that we shouldn't worry about it , but concentrate instead on raising his muscle tone through excercise esp of his torso and arms, so that he can gain some control over his wrists and hands. It makes some sense, but frustrating when you can't see any progress.

I wondered about the wrist cuff too, because if I hold the pencil and let him push it around, then he can make some letter shapes.or maybe I'm helping, but I don't think so!

check out on the internet about 'weighted belts for children', you can also get blankets, cuffs etc. not much in vogue here but they seem to get results in america. A bit expensive though!

DS was assessed at school and is getting a word processor... he's pretty good on the computer and learning to type, maybe typing could help your DS keep up with his classmates?

the OT should be able to give the school guidance which they SHOULD implement. If he has poor muscle tone, a couple of things could really help. First, an appropriate supportive chair, and second but much easier, a writing slope.
My little boy has Noonan syndrome - nothing like ASD (my older boy has Asperger's) with all these problems with writing.

Your local LEA should also have a "advisory teacher for children with physical disabilities" They can provide things like writing slopes immediately.

ood luck

Thanks lassy that's helpful. Lauree, no one has raised the issue of using the computer. I think they are persevering with his writing at the moment. It is a good idea to get him going with practice on this though