Handwriting help for 13yr old boy that he will engage with!?

[Frozentoo]

Son has difficulties with executive function and working memory but is very capable. His written work is letting him down - his words. He is acutely aware of how slow he is at writing (plus very untidy and poor spelling) Has anyone been in this situation and used any programs/tutors/OT/ anything that helps!?
He is learning to touch tyoe but realistically doubt he'll get use of laptop at school as he is doing "fine" but capable of so much more and its such a shame...

If he's got additional needs which can impact how he writes/spells then the school should be putting support measures in place which include use of a laptop. I'd be pushing for it so he can get used to it before GCSE. Look at getting an ECHP if you haven't already, that can help with getting accommodations.

In the meanwhile, sometimes the pen can make a big difference in untidyness. The stabilo one is good because it forces you to hold the pen in the right way which makes it easier to have more control of the pen and therefore write neatly STABILO EASYoriginal Holograph - Ergonomic Rollerball - Right-Handed - Pack of 1 - Blue : Amazon.co.uk: Stationery & Office Supplies

He may well qualify to be able to type in exams. His writing just needs to be slow enough for it to be legible. Ds qualified and he was a top set kid - just had unreadable handwriting!

Get the school to provide a laptop. Ds gets one for this.

It might help to get an ed psych report to demonstrate that he is capable of more. Schools often default to assuming children are of average ability, so getting something like a laptop can simply be a case of proving he isn't average.

Thank you - I'll try that pen recommended, and yes first job on my list is to go back to the SENCo and push for further support

https://nha-handwriting.org.uk/

Laptop all the way - my ds is dyslexic with poor writing (though it has got better with maturity) and he got to use a laptop in school exams and in both his degrees.

We got an Ed psych report done last year - which is what prompted them to allow touch typing support but I feel its been left at that rather than a plan in place - thank you all,this will reassuree not being pushy in wanting more for him!!

Is he ND? Does he have any other coordination difficulties? Has he been assessed for DCD?
I'd be checking for hypermobility in his fingers, and checking for hand strength.

Ask school if they can do a Detailed Assessment of Handwriting Speed (DASH assessment). If they can't, the sendco might be able to borrow one from another school. Or go for an OT referral.

Doorway online is a good touch typing programme.

My son has always struggled with writing and fine motor skills in general. He had a OT assessment in primary school which identified why he struggles (something to do with the flexibility of his thumbs) and assessed him as having very slow writing speed and reccomended a laptop full time. School have always been happy to provide this even without seeing the report (they had it but didn’t share it amongst the relevant department) . He also does touch typing lessons and has laptops in assessments. School are also considering a scribe in tests such as maths where a laptop would be difficult.