Expert: Dr. Sharon A. Mitchell - 5/12/2011

Question
Would you happen to know where we can obtain the device that is used to hold down a child's hand while writing? My grandson is had been identify as having Autism, but it is not major. He is currently in a transitional class at a public school going to the first grade. We are trying to work more on his writing skills and need help finding this device. He is a great little kid, and does well in spelling, using the computer, and he plays baseball for his youth team.

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

Ron...

Answer
Hmmm. There are many types of devices that children might use to help when handwriting. Without knowing the aspects that cause your grandson difficulty, I can't make applicable suggestions.

Many kids with autism spectrum disorders have weak fine motor skills. Their hand and/or arm may tire readily when writing. Their fingers may grip the pencil too tightly in an effort to control it, causing fatigue. Their skills at forming letters and forming them quickly may be less developed than that of other children their age.

The motor weakness could also extend to the trunk muscles, making it more difficult and more tiring for the student to hold himself upright in a desk for extended periods of time. You'll notice such kids slumping in their chairs.

There are devices that can assist with all of these aspects.

A simple one to try is a slant board. It's more tiring to write on a flat surface than on a vertical one (such as a chalkboard, paper taped to the wall, etc.) Even a slightly elevated surface can help. you can purchase slant boards that have a clip to hold the paper steady. you could try turning a three or four inch binder on its side to see if printing on this slope is easier for your grandson. Here is just one supplier of ready-made slant boards: http://pacificpediatricsupply.com/cart/fine-motor-and-handwriting-products-slant...


Different types of pencil grips can make a difference for some kids. You may even find some in dollar stores. Many are available in teacher stores or you can shop online. For example, you could take a look at an assortment here: http://www.therapro.com/Handwriting-Grips-and-Tools-C4245.aspx or here: http://www.thepencilgrip.com/

Some students may find it easier to orient themselves on the page if the lines they must print on are raised. Here is one source for such paper: http://pacificpediatricsupply.com/cart/fine-motor-and-handwriting-products-raise...

Again, there are a number of different ways of holding a child's hand in the correct writing position, along with a variety of reasons why the child may experience this difficulty. The HandiWriter is just one example: http://pacificpediatricsupply.com/cart/handiwriter-p-198.html Some children require a splint made just for them. An Occupational Therapist would be able to help with this. In fact, an Occupational Therapist would be the ideal person to help you wade through the assortment of devices that you could try.

I'm glad to hear that your grandson is doing well.

All the best,

Dr. Sharon A. Mitchell
www.autismsite.ca