Handwriting is more than just in the hands.  It's a favorite of ours.  Have
your son tested by a developmental optometrist for visual issues, most
people with CP have undiagnosed visual processing issues that might be
helped by vision therapy.  This type of work up is different than regular
optometrists.
Also, work on building up the muscles in the hands, at 6 even typically
developing kids are just learning how to write.  Get wind ups, do mazes,
flick pennies, count pennies and other coins by putting them into piggy
banks, invest in starter chop sticks (zoo sticks/ fish sticks) and eat meals
or pick up cereal with them (or candy), pick up weird objects with them, get
some accordian tubes to pull and put things into and make roller coasters
from, do puzzles on the floor.
How's his scissor skills?  Play do skills?  Ok, I'll be the heretic also,
let the handwriting be done at school honestly poor pracice isn't going to
make for better practice.  A lot of handwriting is also done by
understanding the size and shape of the objects, rhythym, language and
communication skills, etc.  
Not having done testing on your son, I can't say what the exact difficulties
he may be having.   

Beth T. the OT

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Cerebral Palsy List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
> On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
> Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2007 8:27 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: fine motor delays
> 
> Since most of you are adults I thought you could be really 
> helpful to me in my perspective.
> 
> My son, Dylan, is almost 6 years old, is very happy, chats a 
> LOT and has mild CP.  He is in kindergarten and finds 
> handwriting to be laborious and aversive.
> 
> I try to work with him on handwriting at home (per the OT's 
> instructions) but he is very resistant -- it's not much fun 
> and I have yet to find a way to make it fun.  (But I've 
> really, really tried!)
> 
> For those of you who have had handwriting issues, how have 
> you worked around it?  What was helpful to you in school and 
> what can I do, as a parent, that will be helpful to my son 
> (especially in terms of my attitude)?
> 
> THANKS SO MUCH for your input,
> 
> Heather (mom to Will, age 9, and Dylan & Brandon, both almost 6!!)
> 
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