Handwriting and Executive Functioning: Understanding Cognitive, Motor, and Sensory Influences

Course overview

This course explores the multifaceted nature of handwriting, emphasizing its essential role in academic participation and literacy development. Occupational therapy practitioners will examine the cognitive, motor, and sensory systems that support handwriting proficiency, including executive functioning, visual perception, fine and gross motor coordination, and sensory integration. With research-supported strategies and practical examples, the course aims to enhance clinicians' ability to identify and address the underlying factors that affect handwriting performance in school-aged children. This content is relevant for occupational therapists and other pediatric professionals working in educational, outpatient, or early childhood intervention settings who support children with handwriting difficulties.