About this Assessment
Handwriting is a complex skill that depends on a combination of fine motor control, visual–motor coordination, postural stability, sensory processing, and cognitive organisation. When even one of these areas is not fully developed, children may struggle to write efficiently, confidently, or legibly — which can impact both academic performance and self-esteem.
During this assessment, we look at the underlying skills that support handwriting, including:
- Fine motor strength and coordination
- Hand–eye coordination and visual-motor integration
- Pencil grip and hand posture
- Letter formation, spacing, and alignment
- Writing speed, endurance, and fluency
- Sensory processing and regulation during writing tasks
- Gross motor and core stability
Common handwriting challenges we help identify include:
- Shaky or unsteady handwriting
- Poorly formed or inconsistent letters
- Writing that drifts across the page
- Letters that are too large, too small, or variable in size
- Difficulty keeping writing on the line
- Pencil grip difficulties or lack of a tripod grip
- Fatigue, hand shaking, or discomfort while writing
- Slower writing speed compared to peers
- Reduced legibility reported by teachers
Handwriting difficulties may occur with or without a formal diagnosis. Children with developmental delay, developmental coordination disorder (DCD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, cerebral palsy, or motor challenges often benefit from assessment, but many children simply need targeted support to strengthen the skills behind handwriting.
A handwriting assessment helps identify what your child needs to succeed and allows us to create a clear, personalised plan to support their development.
Our Process
1. Initial Meeting
We begin by discussing your child’s strengths, challenges, school experiences, and any concerns shared by teachers. This helps us understand expectations at school and home.
2. Comprehensive Handwriting Assessment
Your child completes a series of structured tasks assessing:
- Letter formation and legibility
- Writing speed and fluency
- Pencil grip and hand posture
- Fine and gross motor coordination
- Visual–motor integration
- Postural stability and core strength
- Sensory processing and regulation during writing
3. Functional Analysis
We look at how handwriting challenges affect classroom participation, task completion, confidence, and independence.
4. Verbal Feedback
We explain our findings clearly, helping you understand why certain challenges are present and what they mean for your child’s daily functioning.
5. Optional Written Report
You may receive a detailed report outlining:
- Assessment results
- Identified difficulties
- Recommended interventions
- Clear, measurable goals
- A personalised treatment plan
6. Treatment Recommendations
Based on your child’s needs, we may suggest:
- Fine motor skill development therapy
- Handwriting improvement programmes
- Multi-sensory writing approaches
- Strength and coordination exercises
- SMART therapy goals
- Progress reviews and re-assessment
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