Occupational Therapy for Dysgraphia and Handwriting

Building the skills your child needs to write with ease and confidence

In-home occupational therapy services in Davis, CA and beyond.

What is Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia is a term used to describe difficulty with written expression. It’s a neurological difference that disrupts the complex coordination between a child’s thinking, language, and motor skills during writing. Dysgraphia is not a formal medical or psychiatric diagnosis, but challenges may be captured under two recognized diagnoses: “Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in written expression” or “Developmental Coordination Disorder.” A formal diagnosis comes from psychologists or physicians, with input from other providers including occupational therapists.

Signs and Symptoms of Dysgraphia

At School

Messy handwriting
Teacher can’t read written work
Unusual pencil grip or hand position
Very tight or loose grasp on pencil
Inconsistent letter sizing and spacing
Difficulty staying on the line (letters “float” above the line)
Frequent erasing and crossing out
Behavioral challenges around writing tasks

During Homework

Can tell you their ideas but struggles to get them down on paper
Writing takes much longer than expected
Frustration and resistance to homework
Written work doesn’t reflect their knowledge
Homework battles centered around writing

Physical and Emotional Signs

Hand pain or fatigue when writing
Avoids drawing, coloring, writing activities
Says writing is “too hard” or ” boring”
Anxiety around timed writing tasks
Low self-esteem about writing or schoolwork

Organizational Challenges

Difficulty organizing thoughts on paper
Trouble copying from the board
Loses track of ideas while writing
Messy or incomplete notes
Struggles with spelling despite knowing the word

My Approach

Whether you are looking for a comprehensive assessment or ongoing treatment, I take a holistic approach when considering why your child is struggling with handwriting.

Build Strong Foundations

Evaluate and enhance underlying fine motor, visual-motor integration, and sensory processing skills for successful handwriting.

Master the Basics

Targeted practice to make letter formation and spacing automatic so your child can focus on their ideas, not the mechanics of forming letters.

Support the Whole Child

Build executive function, strengthen emotional regulation, and develop compensatory strategies while foundational skills grow.

Engaging, Fun Sessions

Therapy doesn’t look like traditional “work.” We might strengthen hand muscles through play dough or building activities, practice letter formation through games, work on actual homework, or explore assistive technology options—all designed to be engaging while building real skills.

Family & School Partnership

I’ll share strategies you can use between sessions, help with homework modifications, and communicate with your child’s school team as needed.

Progress Over Perfection

We’ll regularly review progress and adjust our approach as your child develops. The goal isn’t perfection- it’s progress, confidence, and effective communication through writing.

Evaluation and Treatment for Dysgraphia: What to Expect

Step One: Schedule a free phone consultation to discuss your concerns and to determine if I’m a good fit for your child and family.

Step Two: An in-depth intake including parent interview (as well as teacher, child and other stakeholders as necessary), completion of background questionnaires, review of any medical or educational reports/history. This helps guide the rest of the assessment.

Step Three: I’ll conduct a thorough assessment in your home, looking at fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, sensory processing, pencil grip, writing endurance, and how your child approaches writing tasks. I’ll also want to understand your child’s strengths, interests, and daily routines.

Step Four: I’ll analyze the findings and draft a written report, including highly individualized recommendations.

Step Five: Final meeting to review the assessment findings and recommendations. If ongoing therapy is recommended, we will create goals that matter to you and your child.

Ready to begin?

Stage Bright Therapy is based in Davis, CA and provides in-home occupational therapy for dysgraphia and handwriting difficulties in Yolo County, Sacramento County, and beyond!

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