Occupational Therapy and Dysgraphia: Helping Children Write with Confidence

If you’ve noticed that your child struggles with writing—whether it’s messy handwriting, trouble staying on the lines, or feeling frustrated when trying to express ideas on paper—you might be seeing signs of dysgraphia.

It’s a common but often misunderstood learning challenge that affects how kids write. But don’t worry, there’s help! Occupational therapy (OT) can make a big difference. 

What Is Dysgraphia?  

Dysgraphia is a neurological difference that impacts writing abilities.

It’s not about intelligence—kids with dysgraphia often know what they want to say but struggle to get it down on paper.

This can result in messy handwriting, spelling issues, and difficulty organizing thoughts into written sentences. Dysgraphia can look different in each child, but there are a few key signs that can help you spot it.  

Symptoms of Dysgraphia  

Here are some common signs of dysgraphia in children:  

• Illegible handwriting: Letters may be poorly formed, inconsistent in size, or hard to read.
• Inconsistent spacing: Words and letters may be too close together or too far apart.
• Slow writing speed: It may take a child much longer than their peers to complete writing tasks.
• Difficulty with letter formation: Kids may have trouble forming letters correctly, even after practicing.
• Pain or fatigue with writing: Hand cramping, sore fingers, or a tired arm from holding a pencil too long are common.
• Trouble spelling: They may misspell words, even simple ones, or spell the same word differently in one sentence.
• Frustration with writing tasks: Many kids with dysgraphia become anxious or avoid writing altogether because it’s so difficult for them.
• Difficulty organizing thoughts on paper: Kids may struggle with getting their ideas down in a clear, structured way.

It’s important to remember that OTs do not diagnose dysgraphia. A diagnosis can be made by a psychologist or other medical professional.

However, OTs are key in identifying signs of dysgraphia and offering support to help kids improve their writing skills. We focus on the practical side—helping kids work through the challenges and giving them strategies to feel more confident.  

How Does Occupational Therapy Help?  

As OTs, we work with kids to improve their fine motor skills, handwriting, and writing strategies. Here’s how we  can help:  

1. Building Fine Motor Skills  

Many kids with dysgraphia struggle with hand strength and coordination. OT helps improve these skills through activities like squeezing therapy balls, using putty, and other fun hand exercises. Strengthening these muscles can make writing less tiring and more efficient.

2. Improving Handwriting

Handwriting can be a huge barrier for kids with dysgraphia. We help improve letter formation, spacing, and writing posture. Tools like pencil grips, slant boards, or colour-coded paper can make writing tasks feel more manageable and help kids stay within the lines and space their letters properly.

3. Using Technology 

Writing by hand can be especially challenging for kids with dysgraphia, so we often introduce assistive technology. Tools like speech-to-text software, typing programs, and even digital note-taking apps can help kids get their ideas out more easily. If a child struggles with fine motor skills, using technology can reduce the effort required to get their thoughts onto paper.

4. Breaking Tasks into Manageable Steps 

Long writing assignments can overwhelm kids with dysgraphia, so we break tasks down into smaller, more manageable parts. This helps them feel less stressed and more capable of completing the task. We also focus on positive reinforcement, celebrating small victories to boost confidence.

5. Collaborating with Parents and Teachers

OT doesn’t just happen during a therapy session. We work closely with parents, teachers, and other professionals to make sure kids get the support they need at school and home. That might mean suggesting classroom adjustments (like extra time on assignments) or offering at-home strategies to practice.

How Can You Support Your Child at Home?  

As a parent, there are simple things you can do to help your child with dysgraphia:  

• Create a comfortable workspace: Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit area to do their homework, with all the tools they need for writing.
• Use adaptive tools: Try pencil grips, special lined paper, or slant boards to help with letter formation and spacing.
• Encourage regular breaks: Writing for long periods can be exhausting for kids with dysgraphia, so give them time to rest and recharge.
• Use a variety of writing methods: Encourage your child to use technology,  like a computer or tablet, for writing tasks when appropriate.

Dysgraphia can be frustrating, but with the right support, kids can thrive!

Occupational therapy plays a huge role in helping kids with dysgraphia feel more confident and capable with their writing. By improving fine motor skills, introducing adaptive tools, and using technology, OTs help kids overcome barriers to writing and boost their overall confidence in school.

If you would like further information regarding therapy or the intervention process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Occupational Therapists via [email protected] or call us at the clinic on (07) 3265 4495.

Written by Helena Manicaros (2024) 

References:

– American Occupational Therapy Association. (2023). Dysgraphia and Occupational Therapy. [AOTA](https://www.aota.org)

– National Center for Learning Disabilities. (2023). Dysgraphia: A Guide for Educators and Parents. [NCLD](https://www.ncld.org)

– Reichow, B., & Volkmar, F. R. (2017). Early interventions for children with learning disabilities. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice.

– Tsolakides, A. (2020). An Occupational Therapy Perspective on Working with Children with Writing Difficulties. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal.