Why Handwriting Matters

Handwriting is a vital skill for children, underpinning their ability to communicate, learn, and participate fully in school life. Difficulties with handwriting can affect a child’s confidence, academic progress, and willingness to engage in classroom activities. If your child is struggling with handwriting, an occupational therapy (OT) handwriting assessment can identify the underlying causes and provide a clear pathway to improvement.

At Waves Occupational Therapy, we specialise in OT handwriting assessments and interventions for children across Cornwall and Devon. Our experienced paediatric occupational therapists use a holistic, evidence-based approach to support children in developing the skills they need for handwriting success.

Photo of someone writing. handwriting assessments and treatment

What is an OT Handwriting Assessment?

An OT handwriting assessment is a detailed evaluation carried out by a qualified occupational therapist. The aim is to understand why a child is finding handwriting challenging and to identify the specific areas that need support. Our assessments are suitable for children of all ages, from early years through to secondary school.

Key Areas Assessed

  • Fine Motor Skills: The small muscle movements in the hands and fingers required for holding and controlling a pencil.
  • Gross Motor Skills: Core strength, posture, and shoulder stability, which provide the foundation for controlled hand movements.
  • Visual-Motor Integration: The ability to coordinate visual information with hand movements, essential for copying from the board or forming letters.
  • Sensory Processing: How a child responds to sensory input, such as the feel of paper, noise in the classroom, or the pressure needed to write.
  • Hand Dominance and Bilateral Coordination: Whether a child has established a dominant hand and can use both hands together effectively (e.g., holding paper with one hand while writing with the other).
  • Pencil Grasp and Control: The way a child holds and manipulates a pencil, which affects writing speed and legibility.
  • Letter Formation and Spacing: The ability to form letters correctly, keep them on the line, and space them appropriately.
  • Attention and Self-Regulation: The child’s ability to focus, follow instructions, and manage frustration during writing tasks.

Our Assessment Process

We offer a thorough, child-centred assessment process, tailored to each child’s needs and the concerns of parents and teachers.

1. Initial Consultation

We begin with a detailed discussion with parents and, where appropriate, school staff. This helps us understand your child’s strengths, interests, and the specific challenges they are facing with handwriting.

2. Standardised and Non-Standardised Assessments

Our occupational therapists use a combination of standardised tools and informal observations, such as:

  • Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2)
  • Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery VMI)
  • Detailed Assessment of Speed of Handwriting (DASH)
  • Non-Standardised Assessment of Writing Speed
  • Sensory Processing Measure (SPM-2)
  • Clinical Observations of Pencil Grasp, Posture, and Writing Tasks

We observe your child in a relaxed, supportive environment, using fun and engaging activities to assess their skills.

3. School and Home Observations

Where possible, we liaise with your child’s school to observe them in the classroom or to gather information from teachers. This helps us understand how handwriting difficulties present in real-life situations.

4. Comprehensive Report and Recommendations

Following the assessment, you will receive a detailed report outlining:

  • Your child’s strengths and areas of difficulty
  • The underlying reasons for their handwriting challenges
  • Practical, tailored recommendations for home and school
  • Suggested interventions and next steps
child completing handwriting with an adapted grip. Handwriting Assessments and Occupational Therapy in Cornwall & Devon

Common Handwriting Difficulties We Assess

Children may experience a range of handwriting challenges, including:

  • Slow writing speed
  • Illegible handwriting
  • Poor letter formation
  • Difficulty copying from the board
  • Fatigue or hand pain during writing
  • Difficulty organising work on the page
  • Avoidance of writing tasks
  • Problems with pencil grip or pressure

Our OT handwriting assessments in Cornwall and Devon are designed to identify the root causes of these issues and provide targeted support.

Evidence-Based Handwriting Interventions

Once we have identified the specific difficulties, we offer a range of evidence-based interventions, including:

Fine Motor Skill Development

  • Fun activities to strengthen hand muscles (e.g., playdough, tweezers, threading)
  • Exercises to improve finger dexterity and coordination

Pencil Grasp and Control

  • Teaching efficient, comfortable pencil grips
  • Use of adaptive grips or sloped writing boards if needed

Visual-Motor Integration

  • Activities to improve hand-eye coordination
  • Practice with copying shapes, patterns, and letters

Sensory Strategies

  • Sensory breaks and movement activities to help with focus and regulation
  • Adjustments to the environment to reduce distractions

Postural Support

  • Advice on seating and desk set-up
  • Core strengthening exercises to support upright posture

Handwriting Practice

  • Structured, multisensory handwriting programmes
  • Scaffolded tasks, starting with large movements and progressing to fine detail
  • Use of alternative recording methods (e.g., typing, voice-to-text) where appropriate

School-Based Recommendations

  • Advice for teachers on adapting tasks and expectations
  • Strategies for supporting handwriting in the classroom
  • Suggestions for reasonable adjustments under the SEND Code of Practice
A person writing in a notebook with a cup of coffee and an open book on a white table. Handwriting Assessments and Occupational Therapy in Cornwall & Devon

Why Choose Waves OT for Handwriting Assessments in Cornwall & Devon?

  • Local Expertise: We understand the unique needs of families and schools in Cornwall and Devon.
  • Experienced Paediatric Occupational Therapists: Our team has extensive training in sensory integration, fine motor development, and handwriting interventions.
  • Collaborative Approach: We work closely with parents, teachers, and other professionals to ensure consistent support across home and school.
  • Holistic, Child-Centred Care: We look beyond handwriting to consider the whole child, including their sensory needs, emotional wellbeing, and confidence.
  • Clear, Actionable Reports: Our reports are written in plain English, with practical recommendations that can be implemented straight away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should my child have a handwriting assessment?

Handwriting difficulties can be identified and supported at any age, from early years to secondary school. Early intervention is often most effective, but it’s never too late to seek help.

How long does the assessment take?

Most assessments take between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on your child’s needs and attention span. We always work at your child’s pace.

Will my child need ongoing therapy?

This depends on the assessment findings. Some children benefit from a short block of therapy, while others may need longer-term support. We will discuss all options with you.

Can you work with my child’s school?

Absolutely. We believe collaboration with schools is key to success. We can provide written recommendations, attend meetings, and offer training for school staff.

How to Book an OT Handwriting Assessment in Cornwall or Devon

If you are concerned about your child’s handwriting, don’t wait. Early assessment and intervention can make a significant difference to your child’s confidence and academic progress.

  • Contact us today to discuss your concerns and arrange an initial consultation.
  • We offer assessments at our clinic, in schools, or at home across Cornwall and Devon.
  • Flexible appointment times are available to suit your family’s needs.

Additional Resources

Get in Touch

Ready to help your child thrive with handwriting?
Contact Waves Occupational Therapy for expert OT handwriting assessments and therapy in Cornwall and Devon.

Waves Occupational Therapy – Supporting children’s handwriting success across Cornwall and Devon.

This page is intended for parents and carers seeking information about OT handwriting assessments and therapy for children in Cornwall and Devon. For professional referrals or school enquiries, please contact us directly.