Supporting Children with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia: How Occupational therapy can help.
If your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia or dysgraphia—or you’re in the process of seeking answers—you’re not alone. These learning differences can affect how a child experiences school, but they don’t define their intelligence, creativity, or potential.
At Minds in Bloom, we take a neurodiversity-affirming approach. Our goal is to help children build the foundational skills they need to thrive, while celebrating their unique strengths and ways of learning.
What Are Dyslexia and Dysgraphia?
Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference that primarily affects reading. Children with dyslexia may find it challenging to decode words, recognize common sight words, or read fluently. Yet, many excel in areas such as visual thinking, storytelling, and problem-solving.
Dysgraphia affects written expression. Children may struggle with handwriting, spelling, or organizing their thoughts on paper—even if they have strong verbal skills and great ideas.
These challenges are neurological in origin, not a reflection of effort, intelligence, or parenting. And with the right support, children with dyslexia and dysgraphia can absolutely succeed.
How Occupational Therapy Helps
Occupational therapy (OT) goes far beyond fine motor skills—it’s about helping children participate meaningfully in their daily lives. For children with dyslexia or dysgraphia, OT support often includes:
✍️ Handwriting and Fine Motor Skills
Writing can be physically exhausting and frustrating for children with dysgraphia. OT helps by:
Strengthening hand and finger muscles
Supporting pencil grasp and posture
Teaching consistent letter formation
Introducing tools like pencil grips, slant boards, or adaptive paper
🧠 Executive Functioning Skills
Planning, organization, and working memory can be tough for many children with learning differences. OT strategies include:
Task initiation and completion tools
Organizing written work
Using visual schedules or graphic organizers
Creating consistent homework and school routines
💻 Assistive Technology and Accommodations
When handwriting becomes a barrier to expression, OT introduces alternatives, such as:
Typing and keyboarding programs
Dictation tools (speech-to-text)
Word prediction software
Support with IEPs and classroom accommodations
😌 Emotional Support and Confidence-Building
Children who struggle with reading or writing often carry frustration or self-doubt. OT nurtures:
A strengths-based perspective
Small successes through scaffolded challenges
Resilience and self-advocacy skills
Final Thoughts: Every Child Deserves to Be Understood
Dyslexia and dysgraphia may present challenges, but with the right support, they don’t need to hold children back from confidence, curiosity, or academic success.
Occupational therapy empowers children by focusing on what’s possible—not just what’s hard.
If you’re wondering whether OT might benefit your child, we’d love to connect. Reach out today to book a consultation or learn more about our individualized and group services.
If you are a professional interested in learning more, check back soon for our signature live online course (held only once yearly) “Cracking the Code: The OT’s Guide to Dysgraphia”.
