Handwriting Handicaps

To the Editor: Those responsible for the development of the Test of Motor Impairment became aware that one of the areas in which the child with mild physical handicaps is likely to have difficulties is that of handwriting. This handicap may be more than a physical one in the sense that the affected child writes slowly and with tension. The resulting handwriting, suggesting poor manual and upper-limb control, may appear to the teacher as merely careless, and, if the child does not improve despite correction, he or she may be judged contrary or deliberately set to annoy and punished accordingly. In short, bad handwriting because of poor motor control may be the beginning of a vicious circle of mutual antagonism between child and teacher, a general dislike of school, and consequent poor academic performance.

Some teachers are beginning to appreciate the need for a motor examination in the cases of children who do not seem able to improve their handwriting and are referring them to a physical or occupational therapist.…