Frame of Reference for Development of Handwriting Skills

        Development of Handwriting Skills is a Frame of Reference that identifies functions and dysfunctions in five areas of handwriting for children. These areas include proximal posture, components, use of writing tools, grasp, and handwriting. All of these areas are necessary for effective and legible handwriting for a child.

        Good proximal control is requirement for functional distal control of the writing utensil. Essential components include could-motor skills, attention, and memory. Writing tools such as pencils and erasers need to be stabilized and positioned in the right way for legible handwriting. Lastly, functional grasp is needed in order to manipulate the writing tools.

        During an evaluation, the OT might look at legibility, alignment, spacing, and size. The OT can also perform some assessments to measure visual-perceptual skills and fine-motor skills. The treatment can be done in the classroom being that that is his natural environment. The aim of the treatment is for the child to be able to develop complex fine-motor skills and be able to participate in occupations as a student that are age-appropriate.

       Three terms that are used in this theory are Frame of Reference, evaluation, and occupation. A frame of reference uses theories to guide evaluation and assessment and application to the practice. An evaluation is a process that takes place on the first visit where the OT identifies the diagnosis, reason for referral, and information for an occupational profile. An occupation is daily activity that is meaningful to you.