Improving Handwriting and Communication Ability with Occupational Therapy

Teach sitting with a young female student while looking at a tablet.

Well-known conditions requiring occupational therapy treatments include autism, ADD, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, and other physical disabilities. However, Occupational Therapists may also enhance a child’s school performance and communication ability by focusing on handwriting skills.

Handwriting is a multifaceted process that requires good body posture and simultaneous coordination of the eyes, arms, and hands. A mature pencil grip is also important in facilitating letter formation. Without this imperative development, a child’s written work may be hindering their learning.

Occupational Therapists evaluate the underlying aspects that support a student’s handwriting. Common reasons for poor handwriting include:

  • Decreased coordination
  • Decreased muscle strength
  • Decreased endurance
  • Poor attention
  • Decreased visual perceptual skills
  • Decreased fine motor skills.

Improving these strength and skill areas along with instruction can significantly improve not just a child’s handwriting, but his or her school performance while cultivating better overall communication skills as well.

The Handwriting Without Tears curriculum used at the Learning Lab focuses on all of these aspects through a developmentally appropriate and multisensory approach. We also provide a home program for parents to encourage and support good skills for their children.

Get handwriting help now!

Please contact one of our two Learning Lab locations, or fill out the form below!

Learning Lab Brentwood

5500 Maryland Way, Suite 110

Brentwood, TN 37027

615-377-2929

Learning Lab Nashville

2416 21st Avenue South, Suite 100

Nashville, TN 37212

615-321-7272