Take the Pencil Out of the Process
This article explores the difficulties students with ASD and
other disabilities have with pen to paper tasks. As educators, we see many
students throughout the grades with less than desirable handwriting and
printing. I think the first reason that would come to mind of why their writing
is illegible is that they did not take their time. I am guilty of that for
sure, but as this article explains, it may not even be possible for that
student produce the quality of handwriting or printing that you expect.
I have heard of dysgraphia and dyscriptia, but have never
had a student with that diagnosis. I have taught students with fine and gross
motor difficulties that certainly showed in their wiring. Usually the first adaptation
that is offered is a pencil grip or a specialized pencil. This will sometimes
fix the problem but like some ASD students referenced in the article, no amount
of practice will help.
Studies recommend early substitution of a keyboard to help
when producing legible print is interfering with their performance. As the
article stated physical writing difficulties and cause other learning barriers to
appear, such as behaviour, adverse perception towards writing activities and
lower quality of work just to name a few. I certainly can see many of these
behaviours present in student who have difficulty with writing. Intervening
early could right the ship to ensure the students learning meets their
potential.
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