Handwriting was one of the first skills we learned as elementary school students, after the ABC’s and 123’s. Most of us remember those thick pencils and the wide lined writing paper we used in our initial handwriting lessons and the pride we felt when we first learned to write our names. Unfortunately for some, a condition called aphasia takes away the ability to write.

What is Aphasia?

Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects the ability of the brain to use and understand language. This affects both verbal as well as written communication. According to the Stroke Association, one million people in the United States suffer from aphasia and most of these cases are the result of a stroke.

Stroke/Aphasia Relationship

The main “language center” resides in the left hemisphere of the brain. When this part of the brain is damaged by a stroke, verbal and written communication skills are diminished or eliminated altogether. Per the Mayo Clinic, people with aphasia often have the following symptoms:

  • They may speak in sentences that are short and/or incomplete.
  • Their sentences are illogical or don’t make sense.
  • They incorrectly substitute words and sounds for others.
  • Their words are not recognizable.
  • They are unable to follow other people’s conversations.
  • Their writing does not make sense or they are unable to write at all (mayoclinic.org).

In this article, we are going to focus on those who have lost the ability to write and what can be done to help them regain this skill.

Regaining the Ability to Write

Occupational therapy can be instrumental in helping aphasia patients regain their handwriting skills. We are going to share some simple exercises suggested by occupational therapists that the patient can do at home with a family member or caregiver’s support or encouragement.

  • To help regain control of hands and fingers, place coins on a table away from the patient and have him or her pick them up one at a time.
  • In order regain gripping ability, have the patient squeeze a stress ball in their writing hand.
  • To aid in increasing finger movement, place a rubber band around the fingers of the weak hand, with the fingers close together, then have them spread out their fingers as far as possible and close them again.
  • Have them practice picking up a pen and holding it in their non-dominant hand in simulation of writing.
  • When they are ready to begin writing start with having them focus on writing their name or short words accurately first on dotted line paper (livestrong.com).

A specially designed pen, one with an attached base that helps to keep the hand steady, offering balance, guidance, and stabilization such as the Weighted Pen with The Grip, is an excellent tool to help aid in the relearning handwriting stage. There are also a wide variety of stroke writing aids that can be helpful.

If stroke/aphasia has taken away your or your loved one’s ability to write, all hope is not lost. With a little time, effort, and patience, you or they can regain this skill again.

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