Let’s find out what your child needs…
because symptoms always have a cause.
No one knows your child like you do, so when you catch even subtle hints that something feels off, you want to trust yourself. But you also don’t want to overreact. So you wonder, is it really normal for kids to…
Have messy handwriting?
Be clumsy or uncoordinated?
Easily go from 0 to 60?
Find directions difficult to follow?
Be smart, but not fully engaged at school?
Act shy or avoidant?
_______? (Fill in the blank!)
“Normal” is relative, but if you can’t shake a concern, it deserves to be explored.
Here’s why:
Children like yours can get overlooked. You’ll hear things like, “They’ll grow out of it,” “Some kids are just clumsier than others,” or “There are worse things than messy handwriting.” In other words, symptoms aren’t severe enough to set off alarm bells, so they just keep happening.
You can help.
The truth is, there is a gray area that a large amount of kids fall into—they’re not symptomatic enough to warrant school-sponsored therapy but also not thriving as they should.
At Scribble 2 Script, we focus our attention on these kiddos so that, when you bring them in, we can identify what’s holding them back, give them the tools to overcome their challenges, and watch them thrive.
<< See what’s possible
Just one of these symptoms is reason enough for an evaluation.
Mixes upper and lowercase letters
Messy handwriting
Frequent letter and/or number reversals
Awkward pencil grip
Struggles with scissors skills
Does not take time to erase mistakes
Does not like to write
Hand fatigue or hurts when writing
Poor attention to task
Presses too hard or too light with pencil
Difficulty sitting still
Difficulty copying from the board
Loses place when
reading
Poor eye-hand coordination
Difficulty with utensils
Difficulty with catching and throwing
Clumsy/uncoordinated
Difficulty following directions
Frustration and avoidance of tasks
Sensitivities to light, sound or clothing
Can’t tie shoelaces
Difficulty buttoning/zipping
Emotional immaturity
Can’t ride bike independently
Writes short answers when they actually have a lot to say
“William’s frustration with schoolwork, and school in general, had reached an all-time high. Nothing we tried at home helped. . .
The difference this program has made in our lives is immeasurable.”
– Sarah K., mom
Here’s what you can expect.
First, we evaluate symptoms.
If one or two symptoms have caught your attention, there are probably others that exist, as well. During a thorough evaluation, we look at everything collectively. (This is more fun than it sounds! Some kids even ask when they can come back.)
Then, we uncover the root cause.
Things like handwriting, coordination, and reading are all built on top of milestones that should develop early on. If any piece of that developmental pyramid is “wobbly,” everything that grows on top may be too. We’ll get to the bottom of what’s really happening.
So finally, we can correct both.
When we address kids’ symptoms alongside the developmental cause, these types of concerns are 100% reversible. In fact, we guarantee your child will overcome challenges, celebrate breakthroughs, and avoid related problems down the road.
It’s fun to watch handwriting transform before our kiddos’ eyes.
Upper case
Lower case
Cursive
Easy, legible handwriting is a superpower.
Handwriting activates critical areas of the brain associated with language and memory, helping children better retain and recall information.
Quick and clear handwriting facilitates efficient note-taking and test-taking, enabling children to perform better under time constraints and during examinations.
Writing by hand refines fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which are essential for daily activities beyond the classroom.
Proficiency in handwriting increases self-esteem and participation in class while reducing stress and anxiety during school assignments and tests.
Developing good handwriting at an early age lays the groundwork for effective communication and professional skills needed throughout life.
… and the results go way beyond better handwriting.
Improved symptoms mean that kids stop feeling like something is “wrong” with them. They navigate both in and out of the classroom with less frustration and greater confidence. And before they know it, they’ve built a foundation where an exceptional future is possible.
Improved Focus
& Attention
Elevated
Self-Esteem
Boosted Confidence
Regulated Emotions
Better Classroom Engagement
Enhanced Fine Motor Skills
Increased Coordination
Reduced Frustration
Here’s what parents are saying.
Kids can be screaming for help without uttering a single word.
Children can’t always share their needs verbally (think about how many adults struggle with this!), but they are still communicating. Their actions and behaviors tell us they are frustrated, stuck, confused, insecure, or a whole spectrum of other emotions they’re too young to fully process.
Children deserve a translator, someone to put words to their day-to-day experiences so that the adults in their lives can understand them and, above all, so they can begin to understand themselves. We’ve seen new levels of confidence and resilience emerge (and a whole lot of smiles) when kids realize they are not the problem.
We know that every child is unique, and so are their needs, and understand you may still have questions.
You may be wondering…
Is this just for little kids?
No! While the majority of our clients are ages 4-12, we have worked with kids in middle school and high school who need a little extra help. We have programs for all ages, and it's never too late to give your child the tools they need to succeed.
Is this a form of occupational therapy?
While this program was developed by an occupational therapist (our founder, Megan Eldridge), we do not provide occupational therapy services. At Scribble 2 Script, we use a targeted approach for specific trouble zones, while OT therapies address a broad range of concerns. Our approach does not contradict any OT services your child may be receiving but, instead, enhances the process by zooming in on the specific goal and the root cause for the delay. We believe the magic happens when a child can master both!
My child is advanced in so many things, is this program really needed?
We see many kids who excel in certain areas but still struggle with others. This type of asynchronous development is normal. For example, a child may have high cognitive abilities but is uncoordinated or struggles with focus, handwriting, or fidgeting. This misalignment can be very frustrating for kids, so we help them bridge the gap and reach their full potential.
My child's handwriting is fine, but I have other concerns. Is this program for us?
It absolutely could be! While messy handwriting is a common symptom of the issues we address, there are many other areas that may need attention. For example, your child may be excelling in the classroom, but you notice coordination problems on the sports field. Or, perhaps your child is usually kind and mature but occasionally has bursts of poor behavior that seem to come out of nowhere. In other words, if something feels off to you as a parent, it deserves exploration. There are many cases—big and small—where our services can help!
I had messy handwriting as a child and I turned out fine, why does this matter?
So many of us can relate! The truth is, messy handwriting is a result of underdeveloped fine motor skills, and fine motor skills are crucial for so much more than writing. Those muscles are used in countless everyday tasks, from holding a toothbrush and buttoning a shirt to opening a peanut butter jar.
Up to 80% of a child's day in school is spent using a pencil and paper. Writing is how they communicate what they know. If writing is difficult, your child may get discouraged and avoid it, which can escalate to academic trouble. In the same way, if a hobby or activity is difficult to master because of poor fine motor skills, they may get frustrated and give up before giving it a chance!
Why does the pediatrician/teacher say my child will "grow out of this"?
This is a common misconception and one we hear a lot. Unfortunately, it is simply not true!
If a child has not developed their fine motor skills by age five and a half, they have missed a huge milestone, and will continue to struggle with a multitude of tasks that require those skills. Messy handwriting might not be a cause for concern to everyone, but we believe it is. As a parent, you know your child best. If you've seen them struggle to master this essential skill, we're glad you've found us. This single symptom (along with many others throughout this page) may indicate a deeper need. The good news is that's our specialty! With help, your child should be able to catch up with their peers and reach their full potential.
If my child really slows down, their handwriting is not as messy. Are they still a good candidate?
They are! If your child can perform well, but only for a short amount of time, this is a good indication that they have not mastered this skill. Your child is not "just lazy," and you are right to be concerned. We talk about this as ability vs. demand—sometimes a child can work at an acceptable level of ability unless the demand is too high. In other words, they may be able to write their spelling words neatly when they practice, but during the timed test, their words are difficult to read. At Scribble 2 Script, we help your child maximize their potential so that they are able to work to their full ability, even if they have a limited amount of time (or it's almost time for lunch!).
How long does it take?
Every child is unique! Our programs range from 6-15 months, and we'll tailor a program to your child's needs and goals after we've had a chance to get to know them. Following our initial evaluation, we can give a better estimate for optimal success.
How much does it cost? Will my insurance pay for it?
Our initial evaluation is $300. This comprehensive session will allow us to put together a program designed for your child and their unique goals. If you love our approach to creating a successful learner, we'll get started! Program fees are based on the needs of your child and will be clearly stated in our contract.
We do not accept insurance, but we are an approved vendor through the ESA program.
What is our responsibility as parents?
When we recommend a program for your child, we are confident that, together, we will achieve the boost they need. We like to think of it as a relay race where we pass a baton back and forth.
While they are with us, we promise to:
- be prepared with a thoughtful plan
- understand their goals and motivations
- be ready with activities designed to advance them toward the goal
- create a fun learning environment your child enjoys
When we pass the baton back to you, we ask that you:
- be on time for sessions and consistent with attendance
- work through the at-home exercises with your child four times/week
- communicate any concerns you might have right away
The person who referred us talked about active primitive reflexes; what should we know?
Primitive reflexes are the foundation of brain development, starting with basic movements in babies and evolving into more complex skills. "Active" primitive reflexes indicate early brain development stages haven't been fully integrated. This can affect motor skills, language, and abstract thinking, causing children to behave impulsively, struggle to focus, fail to master fine motor skills (including handwriting and shoe tying), present as clumsy or uncoordinated, and be challenged by social situations (to name just a few). At Scribble 2 Script, we help children overcome these challenges through targeted interventions to support your child's development.
Because symptoms always have a cause.
Your child can excel in many ways and still need support with foundational skills. The longer we wait to provide that support, the more the related challenges compound. So, schedule an evaluation.
Let’s get you the answers you deserve so your child can thrive with less friction and more confidence—for life.