Penmanship for Attention Problems?

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Sep 26 2008

Penmanship for Attention Problems?

Published by Autism Insights at 6:42 pm under ADHD, Asperger's, autism, discipline, fine motor skills, internet, medication, motor skills, penmanship, practical strategies Edit This

As I was randomly looking netsurfing for something to blog about today, I came across an interesting site: Retrain the Brain . I’m always on the lookout for ways to help Gus build his focus without medication so the headline “Get Kids Off Ritalin” caught my eye. The theory behind this program is to teach Palmer method penmanship (remember that??) along with special music to develop the left (analytical/reasoning/executive function) brain. It seems to make sense to me, but I don’t have $90 to spend on a handwriting program.

So I went and did some research on the Palmer method and found a free version of Palmer’s Penmanship Budget . We’ve also been trying having Gus do his work with headphones on and his teacher sent home a copy of the CD they use in class. I think another experiment is on order.

Best case scenario, the combination of music and handwriting practice will help him. Worst case scenario, he’ll get some extra practice in an area he needs it. Nothing to lose.

If anyone has any experience with this theory or with that particular program, I’d love to hear more!