Graphomotor Skills

WHAT ARE GRAPHOMOTOR SKILLS?

Graphomotor Skills are a combination of cognitive, perceptual and motor skills which enable a person to write. A child with Graphomotor problems will find writing difficult because there is detachment between their thoughts and their ability to express them through writing. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GRAPHOMOTOR PROBLEMS?

• Lack of a connection between memory and fingers: An individual with Graphomotor problems will find it difficult to remember the letter shapes and the muscle movement to make the shapes.
• Motor Problems: An individual with poor Graphomotor Skills will find it difficult to use muscles to hold the pen or move it in the manner needed to write on demand.
• Finger Agnosia: Some individuals with Graphomotor problems will lose track of where their fingers are when they are writing. 

WHAT CAUSES PROBLEMS WITH GRAPHOMOTOR SKILLS?

There is nothing to suggest that there is a particular cause of Graphomotor problems. They are, however, becoming increasingly common among young children in primary schools, especially boys. Some people believe that video games such as consoles and computers may be causing this increase, although there is nothing to support this view. 

HOW ARE PROBLEMS WITH GRAPHOMOTOR SKILLS DIAGNOSED?

Children with Graphomotor problems struggle to coordinate their finger muscles in order to manoeuvre a pen or pencil. Therefore, a child with a Graphomotor problem might:

• Write only very short passages
• Write exceptionally slowly and with great effort
• Use an awkward pencil grip
• Lack fluidity in writing
• Find it hard to form letters

Children with Graphomotor problems are often called ‘lazy’, ‘oppositional’ and ‘unmotivated’ because they are reluctant to produce written work. Children will often use avoidance methods such as being a troublemaker in class, making up excuses to not write, sharpening their pencil and going to the toilet.

People with Graphomotor difficulties may be able to write neatly but at a slow rate. The task of writing will take longer than usual and the writing can be hard to read, if not illegible in some cases. 

HOW ARE GRAPHOMOTOR DIFFICULTIES TREATED?

Individuals with problems associated with writing should be encouraged to use word processing applications to help them. Also, an individual with Graphomotor difficulties should constantly practice forming letters on paper. 

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Although the information we have provided here is meant to be helpful to you, Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy or reliance placed upon it. If you have any concerns about your child, you should seek professional educational or healthcare advice as soon as possible.