ABSTRACT
Handwriting is a complex skill that we take for granted. The pupil with Asperger Syndrome (AS) may find it difficult for a number of reasons. Proprioception difficulties and poor fine motor skills make handwriting awkward due to problems with exerting the correct amount of pressure for the task and forming the letters. Hypermobility and poor muscle tone is also associated with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and they may be unable to hold writing or drawing tools properly. The working memory is the process by which our brains store information while doing a task. The information is put on standby until needed. A poor working memory means that the information is forgotten, sometimes immediately after the instruction is given. Pupils with AS will need to be taught how to dictate and you need to practise taking dictation with the pupil beforehand because their poor working memory means they may be unable to repeat a sentence that they have literally just spoken.
