Expert: Norm Bishop - 10/20/2010

Question
Hi there,
I am in the process of getting my 8 year old daughter tested for ADHD.  She has a very awkward pencil grip that the teacher insists on her changing and she is still printing her numbers and letters backwards though she reads at a high level. She has to bounce on a bouncy ball at home if watching tv as she cant sit still. She also seems to have to go to the bathroom all the time. She has no issues socially, lots of friends, but is driving her teacher crazy with the non stop talking. Is the pencil grip and flipping of numbers also part of ADHD or is Dyslexia something we could be looking at?We see the doctor on Monday.  And is there any reason at this point to worry about her pencil grip? Lots of questions but thank-you! p.s. she is EXTREMELY creative almost to the point of obsessively for example she has to finish her drawing or painting or she will become agitated or stressed about it.

Answer
Some of what you describe sounds a little like ADHD, like bouncing while watching TV and her talking all the time.  Dyslexia is related to reading and since she is an excellent reader I wouldn't be worried about dyslexia.  There is a term for those who have difficulty with fine motor, such as writing, pencil grip, etc.  That term is dygraphia...but then she draws and paints...hum

There are all kinds of learning differences, so at this point I wouldn't be too concerned about what you describe.  You and the teacher can work on when it is appropriate to talk and when it is not, and you can also work on her writing.  I have had success using patterns, such as dots for the student to use as a guide, more to start with, fewer as she progresses...flipping needs to be pointed out and corrected.  In some learning stores you can buy patterned letters that feel like sandpaper, if she traces those letters, then writes what she feels, it may help.

This Blog site may have some ideas for you:  http://www.proteacher.net/discussions/showthread.php?t=30559

In brain development, the eye-hand coordination link is one of the last to develop.  It may be that it just isn't fully integrated at this point.  Your physician may have some insights that I don't have, so I think it is a good idea to see the doctor.

This is weird, in that I have a learning difficulty that rarely held me back in school.  It is mostly related to directionality, as I easily get lost without a reference point, don't really know my left from my right, etc.  I had extreme difficulty with forming letters, similar to your daughter and some other parallels to what you describe.  I am completing my Doctorate in Educational Leadership and have had a successful career...writing isn't a problem as long as I can type.  My point is that I think your daughter's learning is just very unique.  In the long run it may even be a gift for her.

So, see your doctor just to make sure, and continue to be an active and supporting parent.