ADHD=Bad handwriting? | ADHD Information

I also suggest when children learn to write that you buy a cartridge or fountain pen.

Also, letters as art. comic books, etc. Get them to make comic books including lines to write on [understanding fundamentals] and telling their stories.

Printing the same stuff over and over [a a a a b b b b c c c c] bores the heck out of an adhd'er.

Colour counts

Get some bright peacock washable coloured ink and watch them WANT to make "pretty letters"

Pencil is boring

Another trick is carpenter's pencils [the flat ones] because the lines go thick and thin and look 'arty'
Both my son (age 15, not ADHD) and my daughter have struggled with terrible handwriting. My son will never have beautiful handwriting, but it is no longer a problem.
My daughter, now in 6th grade, can sometimes print nicely while at other times it is really bad. Luckily she is finally at the point where she cares and takes some interest in how her writing appears, so I think she is going to be OK as far as writing goes, too.
Halfway through 5th grade her teacher made the students do all their work in cursive and I was happy because my daughter does better with cursive. Unfortunately this year none of the teachers ask them to write in cursive and my daughter never uses it.

Strangely, last spring my daughter developed an interest in drawing and she has created some beautiful realistic drawings. She shows incredible focus and patience when she draws.

I never sought additional help for either of my kids with handwriting, but I applaud those of you who have; I imagine it is a big help. When writing is difficult for kids, I think it puts an additional strain on their ability to focus. I don't think handwriting is taught as carefully as it once was. I don't think either one of my kids grip the pencil correctly. Come to think of it, neither do I!
I'm a teenager with ADHD and I can say that slowing down is the best way to do it. Provide incentives for doing good hand writing. I remember when I was a young kid I acted out and had horrible grades before we figured out I had ADHD. Now I have a 3.714 GPA...
riverbassfishin39399.5955671296

I am a teacher who just went to an inservice on Handwriting Without Tears. Check out their website.

One thing that may help his pencil grip is using the golf pencils. It is almost impossible to get the wrong grip with these. The little kids seem to have more control w/the little pencils.

Good luck!

[QUOTE=inspiredbymusic] [QUOTE=MetisRebel]
As a painter I suggest you get this child a package of watercolour pencils, a few brushes and watercolour paper from a real art store. They're easy to clean up and easy to use and can make stunningly beautiful watercolours or sketches. Make it one of this year's Christmas presents and I guarantee you will watch her bloom with them [/QUOTE]
That is exactly how she got started! I bought her a set that came with watercolor pencils, a pad, and an instruction book at the Book Fair at her school last spring. At the time, I really thought it would be a waste since we have tons of art supplies at home and she'd never shown any particular interest or aptitude, but as it turns out, that little set may have been one of the best purchases I've ever made!
Since then we've checked out drawing books at the library and I bought her one that she likes, by Lee Hammond. She likes to copy the drawings in the books, especially animals.
(Sorry to get off-topic, but it has been really thrilling for me to see her pursue this interest!)

It's a good interest for adhd kids because they can focus on so many things [colour/line] going on at one time. She may stop and start but just leave the stuff available

Kids like to produce "realistic" art but grade school teachers can't teach it so they wind up making craftsy things like cut out flowers and such. Also, they use horrid tempra paint that can't be corrected whereas good acrylic paint makes more sense in case of error. I remember my first "realistic" drawing when I was 10--I was so impressed with myself

MetisRebel, When I was looking for art books for her, it seemed like the books for kids that I found were too childish, so we went with adult books. If you have any recommendations there, please let me know. Thanks!

Put her on the FARP [google it] website--it's designed for teen's fantasy art and the articles and tips are great and easy to understand. Another good purchase would be some Nupastel hard pastels. They can be smudged beautifully, come in great colours and are not expensive. Buy some decent drawing and watercolour papers [student grades are better than dollar store]. Any anime/manga art books are generally designed for the 10-16 group as well. Art stores are a vast source of better books than standard bookshops. Real coloured pencils, not the school kind [prismacolour] are also another real joy for kids. The colour is brighter and can be mixed, smudged or used as paint with a little varsol.

Erasers are our friends

[QUOTE=MetisRebel]
When drawing, sketch artists are trained NOT to hold the pencil between the fingers because it inhibits the flow of a good drawing pencil. They hold it across the finger tips. I still start drawing that way until I put in the details. Just like kids hold the ends of paintbrushes properly instead of holding them close to the bristles. So kids are sometimes onto the most natural methods until we make them do something unnatural
[/QUOTE] Interesting!
[/QUOTE]MetisRebel, Thanks! My son started having real problems with writing last year in the 4th grade. Until 3rd grade the focus had been more on reading and he is a whiz at that and loves to read so no problems. Getting him to write was like pulling teeth. He hated it and his handwriting was terrible. I had him placed on an IEP so we could address this issue, among others. He had to write less than the others kids-usually half of whatever the regular assignment was. and we stopped focusing on penmanship and more on content. Sometimes, kids with ADHD do better at keyboarding. This is the case with my son. He can type assignments if he needs to. This year, since the introduction of Tenex to his medication-taken along with Adderall-he has been doing much better at writing. something clicked and he doesn't seem to hate it anymore. His handwriting has improved and he seems to be writing as much as the other kids. His teacher is beside himself at the change! And we need to keep things in perspective. After all, it's more important that you kids be happy and healthy than that they have great handwriting. Just help them do the best they can. My youngest had beautiful letter and number formation when she was learning to print originally. Later when she had to write answers to questions (homework and tests) her handwriting became unreadable and she would only spell phonetically. Doing all of the things to get the answer on paper (think of the answer, find the right words, spell the words correctly and write ledgibly) was overwhelming to her. With meds her writing became easier to read and her IEP includes help with written language. Last year she re-learned printing in the context of school and is now learning cursive. While she was re-learning printing, she used a voice to text software to get her homework done. SHe no longer uses the program but has the option for long projects.

gbfe

ommas39765.5437731482 [QUOTE=cali1234]I was wondering if this is seen often in ADHD kids, his teacher has mentioned her concerns, but has never linked it to his disorder/disability. Thanks[/QUOTE]

According to the psychiatrists and psychologists we've seen, poor handwriting is very common with ADHD. My son is in 2nd grade and his handwriting is almost illegible. When he was younger, he would push down so hard, he'd break his pencil tip or crayon -- every time. Interestingly, when his meds are working and he is "on," his handwriting improves exponentially and he writes almost normally. You can judge immediately how much Ritalin is in his system just by looking at his handwriting. His speech also becomes clearer. One psychologist told me it's due to an increased impulse control with the medications, which makes sense. They can self-monitor much better.

Anyway, definitely go for the OT assessment. I am struggling with the same decision right now, although I'm not sure what to do since my son's handwriting becomes almost normal when he's medicated. His teacher doesn't think he needs an IEP, but an outside psychologist suggested it so that there would be a "paper trail" when we encounter standardized testing and he needs more time for the writing.

Good luck!!

better focus, better handwriting. I'm not sure about the impulse control theory hadnt heard that before, interesting, but FOR SURE when focus is increased handwriting improves. At age 5, however, it's still developing. I am SO pro getting EARLY help I drive people crazy. I am not good at the wait and see, except in some behavioral situations.

Bad handwriting is common for ALL kids. My daughter's is just now getting better, she is in 2nd grade. I asked about that too and Teacher's and Dr's stated its not a set fact. My son is in Kindergarten. He is doing fairly well academically. But his handwriting is horrible. He is way behind the other kids on this. Often, I have to have him try something several times before it looks passible. He has trouble keeping the letters small enough. One 8 letter word may have to be 2 lines. He also has very poor coloring skills, but coloring is not his fave thing. I was wondering if this is seen often in ADHD kids, his teacher has mentioned her concerns, but has never linked it to his disorder/disability. Thanks

My son had an OT work with him for handwriting. He has sensory "stuff". The OT did a fabulous job working with him. My son had the tendency to push down too hard, grip the pencil not the correct way, etc. Ask for an OT to help your son.

This is the ONLY area his 5th grade teacher mentioned at the teacher/parent conference that he needs to put more effort into. We of course use the sensory excuse.

Others have even seen his writing/printing when he really tries and thinks he writes great, especially for a boy.

Thank goodness he will be able to type assignments.

How do I know when it is time to ask for assistance? He is only in Kindergarten, but I would hate to see it cause problems down the road when writing is more important. Would the school provide the OT? How would I go about that? So far, they don't seem to offer any assistance what so ever for his ADHD, and I'm not sure his teacher/principal and I are on the same page about ADHD kids and special needs, if that makes sense!? Thanks

My son started this service in kindergarten, still has it. He has an IEP plan. At my son's school they would have the OT come into the classroom and moved around from child to child and help those who needed it. He even needed help with crayons, again too much pressure applied.

I would call/go in and ask the school or classroom teacher. An OT is at your school and should be making the rounds. My son's speech teacher used to go into the kindergarten and do speech with the entire class. My son was removed for his therapy, however, this was a great way to help the children.

Contact the school in the morning!!

I will ask about it. His coloring is def. very hard. I try to tell him to use lighter, longer strokes. My son doesn't have an IEP yet, so far no reason to. But, I hope they are accomodating with an OT request, thanks.

Have you inquired about a 504? Even though he is in kindergarten, it is not too early. With ADHD, our kids don't really pay attention so great. when they are tested, they need special accomodations, like not being timed, getting a break, etc.

do you know how to go about it?

We haven't done an IEP yet, just because it hasn't come up. I was following the advice of this board, and a few others, that it may not be necessary. He just got diagnosed in September, and we've had decent luck with meds...so far.

Is 504 for behavior? I'm not sure what it does. He has already been suspended for 1/2 day for poking a classmate with a pencil (the child wasn't hurt,but could have been). This was during a transition into new meds. I would like to know more, thanks.

No a 504 plan is to accommodate learning in the classroom. I can't believe he got suspended in kindergarten, my school wouldn't do that.

You need to request in writing for the school to conduct an evaluation on your son. They have 60 school days to complete it. MArk your calendar.

Contact your special education department. They will answer all questions.

Again, it has NOTHING to do with behavior. Discuss him receiving an OT services, that is why you want an evaluation due to his handwriting and he has ADHD.

Okay, I understand now. I don't know if he really needs it now though. His teacher already has him sitting at his own desk, near her. Sitting him at the group tables was too distracting. I looked up my state governments education website, and looked at some example 504 plans. Things mentioned were making sure he is getting an education, and making accomodations to ensure that.

The only concern now is the handwriting and coloring, which I will ask about getting an OT to assist him. I don't think he really needs a 504 at this time. I can't think of any special accomodations he would need. They aren't really taking many tests, so time is not an issue. Maybe I'll take a wait and see approach?

As far as the suspension goes, I didn't agree with it. He only has class a half day anyway, but the incident happened 5 minutes into class. My argument was he has already missed 3 days due to appts. for his ADHD evaluations and diagnosis, and being only 5, I don't think he would learn from having the day off of school. He has had several trips to the principal , mostly at the beginning of the year before his diagnosis and meds, so they said "it must be done" because of the seriousness of the matter. I already sense friction with his principal. She strikes me as someone who doesn't see ADHD as a "real" disorder.

cali123439399.0125

On an IEP or 504 you can have written in that your son is to sit up front, aisel seat if necessary. An IEP is best, but a 504 is better than nothing.

The process is a long one. Right now with the holidays coming up, you wouldn't be done with the evaluation and 60 days until well after Christmas. I would do it and see what happens.

Do what you think is best for your son. I would get it started myself. There is more to it's use than just for testing. He may need one on one reading or something else with his writing. Also wherever he sits in the classroom, just some quick ideas.

Cali, both my daughters have handwriting issues. My Kindergartner I knew at age 3 in preschool was delayed. I requested an evaluation for poor pencil grasp and handwriting. They, of course, did not want to do this and wanted wo "wait and see". I said no (my older daughter was still struggling grade 5). So in writing to the school I requested an evaluation and my concern was pencil grasp, utensil grasp and handwriting. she was eligible and is doing GREAT now in K. Do it now, dont wait.

I have a LOT of suggestions. Coloring is really, really helpful. My daughtre used to hate it too, it's hard, who wants to hard stuff. I went on-line and found some sites for printable coloring pages and found her "hooks" like horses and dogs and printed coloring pages of stuff she loved. Then break all the crayons in half. Little pieces they have to hold with their fingers and it forces them to hold it correctly. He'lll ahte that too, but get used to it. Play games like Operation, Perfection, anything that uses the fingers.

This is a site I just found a couple of weeks ago and it has handwriting suggestions and printable paper for practice. I will make letters on it with a highlighter and have her trace them. All of this, but get the eval and try to get him some OT.

http://www.donnayoung.org/penmanship/paper.htm

[QUOTE=inspiredbymusic]Both my son (age 15, not ADHD) and my daughter have struggled with terrible handwriting. My son will never have beautiful handwriting, but it is no longer a problem.
My daughter, now in 6th grade, can sometimes print nicely while at other times it is really bad. Luckily she is finally at the point where she cares and takes some interest in how her writing appears, so I think she is going to be OK as far as writing goes, too.
Halfway through 5th grade her teacher made the students do all their work in cursive and I was happy because my daughter does better with cursive. Unfortunately this year none of the teachers ask them to write in cursive and my daughter never uses it.

Strangely, last spring my daughter developed an interest in drawing and she has created some beautiful realistic drawings. She shows incredible focus and patience when she draws.

That's not unusual. Many great artists have had ADHD--so do a great many CGI and game artists etc. Luis Royo will not sleep or eat for days in hyperfocus.

As a painter I suggest you get this child a package of watercolour pencils, a few brushes and watercolour paper from a real art store. They're easy to clean up and easy to use and can make stunningly beautiful watercolours or sketches. Make it one of this year's Christmas presents and I guarantee you will watch her bloom with them

I never sought additional help for either of my kids with handwriting, but I applaud those of you who have; I imagine it is a big help. When writing is difficult for kids, I think it puts an additional strain on their ability to focus. I don't think handwriting is taught as carefully as it once was. I don't think either one of my kids grip the pencil correctly. Come to think of it, neither do I!

When drawing, sketch artists are trained NOT to hold the pencil between the fingers because it inhibits the flow of a good drawing pencil. They hold it across the finger tips. I still start drawing that way until I put in the details. Just like kids hold the ends of paintbrushes properly instead of holding them close to the bristles. So kids are sometimes onto the most natural methods until we make them do something unnatural
[/QUOTE]

When drawing, sketch artists are trained NOT to hold the pencil between the fingers because it inhibits the flow of a good drawing pencil. They hold it across the finger tips. I still start drawing that way until I put in the details. Just like kids hold the ends of paintbrushes properly instead of holding them close to the bristles. So kids are sometimes onto the most natural methods until we make them do something unnatural

May be true, but for handwriting in school, learning the proper pencil grasp early on will help with fatigue in later grades when long writing assignments are required.

[QUOTE=Diane V]

May be true, but for handwriting in school, learning the proper pencil grasp early on will help with fatigue in later grades when long writing assignments are required.

[/QUOTE]
Actually, it is less fatiguing to hold the pencil across the fingertips--but children don't have the fine motor control in the arm/shoulder to write letters that way and the writing would be much larger. Cursive writing is full arm, as well. So we teach them the traditional method that comes from quill and bamboo penmanship. It's like ambidextrous children [like me] the make you right-handed for society's convenience as opposed to what makes more sense to the child.

Ballpoint pens are made for long term writing based on the standard hold. Yet art pens are very different and I've used them for long pieces of writing. You can only stroke down and right. The difference in writing style [and beauty] is immediate. And eventually--far faster. My handwriting improved vastly in grade 5 due to a teacher who insisted on fountain pens.

Also, when people hand-printed books they wrote on a 35% slant which makes a world of difference in handwriting skill. Calligraphers still work this way.

This society values speed in writing [you have one hour to complete this test and write 1000 words] not good handwriting, unfortunately. The silly part is--using traditional tools results in better handwriting and eventually, faster handwriting. And we don't like cleaning up the mess of real ink

One of the reason's I suggest carpenter's pencils is that you CAN'T hold them any other way than "normal" because of the flatness. at 5 for it could save a lot of grief.
MetisRebel39399.4956597222My son who is six was referred to an OT when he was 5. When we had him tested, his fine motor skills tested 2 yrs below where they should have been. We went to OT for a yr (once a week for 30 min) and he is back on track to what is "normal" for his age. Ask your pediatrician for a referral in your area to get him tested. There are lots of things that you can do at home that are fun ways to increase hand strength too - making holes with a hand held puncher, clipping coupons, picking up cotton balls or beads with tweezers, playdough, making letters in shaving cream (best done in the bathtub!). If you can make it a game, he won't even realize you're getting him to work on those fine motor skills! [QUOTE=MetisRebel]
As a painter I suggest you get this child a package of watercolour pencils, a few brushes and watercolour paper from a real art store. They're easy to clean up and easy to use and can make stunningly beautiful watercolours or sketches. Make it one of this year's Christmas presents and I guarantee you will watch her bloom with them [/QUOTE]
That is exactly how she got started! I bought her a set that came with watercolor pencils, a pad, and an instruction book at the Book Fair at her school last spring. At the time, I really thought it would be a waste since we have tons of art supplies at home and she'd never shown any particular interest or aptitude, but as it turns out, that little set may have been one of the best purchases I've ever made!
Since then we've checked out drawing books at the library and I bought her one that she likes, by Lee Hammond. She likes to copy the drawings in the books, especially animals.
(Sorry to get off-topic, but it has been really thrilling for me to see her pursue this interest!)
MetisRebel, When I was looking for art books for her, it seemed like the books for kids that I found were too childish, so we went with adult books. If you have any recommendations there, please let me know. Thanks!

[QUOTE=MetisRebel]
When drawing, sketch artists are trained NOT to hold the pencil between the fingers because it inhibits the flow of a good drawing pencil. They hold it across the finger tips. I still start drawing that way until I put in the details. Just like kids hold the ends of paintbrushes properly instead of holding them close to the bristles. So kids are sometimes onto the most natural methods until we make them do something unnatural
[/QUOTE] Interesting!