As I’ve written about before….One of the areas that Harley REALLY struggles with is handwriting….
It is a common problem for children on the autistic spectrum and Harley’s fine motor skills are also greatly lacking.
* This is a page from one of his most recent homework efforts:
That took him almost 2 hours every night because of the mammoth effort I had to put in just getting him to even SIT at the table!
And as for getting him to follow the instructions and write in coloured gel pen, texta or coloured pencil on Wednesdays…..FORGET ABOUT IT!
I have enough trouble already. I absolutely hate afternoons because it’s never fun fighting and fighting and fighting with your child to do something that I personally couldn’t care less whether he does it or not *sigh*.
We have the tears, the head banging on the table, the sobbing out loud, the “I cant’s” and ultimately…..a meltdown.
EVERY FREAKIN’ DAY!
So I eventually reached my limit, I cracked and decided that I had to come up with a plan because this simply couldn’t go on another minute.
I went and saw his teacher and told her that Harley has to do writing at his OT once a week and also at Social Group and I stressed that he was definitely getting enough practise and help with his handwriting. (Even though to look at it, it is hard to believe).
I got her to clarify that it was mainly the reading and spelling that they were supposed to be working on with their lists and she confirmed that yes it was.
I then asked her if it would be ok if I could try out a little something that I came up with instead as long as he learnt his words and could read and spell them.
She agreed wholeheartedly and this is the result…..
I simply attach the photographs of him making his words to his homework book and he hands that in along with his maths sheets and home reading record book.
I gotta tell you…it’s a win-win here!
It’s so wonderful when you find teachers that actually care enough to work with you and your child!
And the Madhouse has returned to (our version) of peace!
**Our version still contains random yelling, jumping, running, punching and fighting, but a lot less tears and hysteria!!
