Following are the handwriting problems faced by many children and it goes unnoticed in many cases, thus appropriate intervention is not given.

• Knowing how to form letters and numbers from memory
• Letter/Number orientation (direction the letters/numbers are facing)
• Placement of the letters/numbers on the lines of the paper
• Size of the letters/numbers
• Starting the letters/numbers at the proper place
• How to sequence the formation of the letters/numbers
• Spacing between letters and words
• Handwriting control, neatness, and overall legibility

Handwriting problems can be caused by external factors, internal factors, or a combination of both

1. External Factors are –
   • Height of the child’s desk and chair is improper and does not “fit” the child
   • Poor or inconsistent handwriting instruction
   • Child may be placed too far away from the blackboard to see how to properly form the letters
2. Internal Factors –
   • Unrecognized vision problems
   • Poor grip strength and/or endurance
   • Poor eye-hand coordination
   • Poor posture
   • Proprioceptive/Kinesthetic issues
   • Child is not holding pencil properly /delayed fine motor development
   • Motor planning difficulties
   • Poor shoulder and/or wrist stability
3. The consequences for children with poor handwriting are:-
   • Poor grades
   • May be perceived as “lazy” by teachers and peers
   • May not finish assignments because their hand becomes tired
   • May have difficulty taking notes
   • Difficulty understanding school assignments because so much energy is focused on trying to produce legible handwriting
   • May miss out on social activities, such as recess, because so much energy is focused on trying to produce legible handwriting
   • Lowered Self-esteem

Occupational therapy helps children improve their handwriting through identifying the internal or external factors that are contributing to a child’s handwriting difficulties, and teaches the student and/or the classroom teacher how to remediate these difficulties.