Handwriting Assessment
Handwriting difficulties are one of the most common reasons children are referred to occupational therapy in Ireland. For some children, slow or illegible handwriting reflects underlying motor or coordination difficulties that can be formally assessed and documented. A Handwriting Assessment provides a clinical picture and a written report that supports school accommodations and SEC reasonable accommodation applications.
Accredited by
Everything included at €400
Parent and child interview
Discussion of the handwriting concern, school experience, and any prior assessments or interventions. This provides context for the standardised testing.
Standardised handwriting assessment
Standardised assessment tools measuring handwriting speed, legibility, letter formation, and endurance. Results are compared to age and class norms to identify whether difficulties are clinically significant.
Component skill assessment
Assessment of the underlying skills that support handwriting: pencil grip, hand strength, fine motor coordination, visual-motor integration, and posture. This identifies the root cause of the difficulty.
Written report within one week
A written report including assessment scores, clinical impressions, and specific recommendations. Covers skill-building exercises, written work reduction strategies, typing as an alternative, and assistive technology recommendations where appropriate.
Is this the right service for your child?
Children in 3rd class or above (aged 8+) with slow or illegible handwriting
Children preparing a Junior Certificate or Leaving Certificate reasonable accommodation application
Children whose handwriting difficulties are affecting school performance
Children with DCD, dyspraxia, hypermobility, or fine motor difficulties
Schools or SNAs seeking a formal assessment to support accommodation requests
Not sure if this is right for your child? Email us and we'll advise on the best option.
From booking to report
Book online
Select your preferred Saturday appointment and pay online. The assessment is for children in 3rd class or above (generally aged 8+).
Assessment appointment
The appointment takes approximately 60–90 minutes. It includes parent interview, standardised handwriting tasks, and component skill assessment.
Written report delivered
Your report is delivered within one week. It includes standardised scores, clinical impressions, and specific recommendations for school, SEC applications, and assistive technology.
Engage OT reports are accepted by
Frequently asked questions
What age is the handwriting assessment for?
The handwriting assessment is for children aged 8 and above (3rd class onwards). Standardised tools require this minimum age for reliable scoring.
Will this support a SEC reasonable accommodation application?
Yes. A standardised handwriting assessment with a written report from a CORU-registered OT supports applications for reasonable accommodations including written work reduction, use of a word processor, and typing in Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate examinations.
My child has a diagnosis of dyspraxia. Do they still need a handwriting assessment?
A formal diagnosis of DCD or dyspraxia supports reasonable accommodation applications, but a standardised assessment with current data is typically required by the SEC. A handwriting assessment provides the specific scores and clinical documentation needed.
How quickly can we get the report?
The written report is delivered within one week of the assessment appointment. If you have a school or SEC deadline, let us know and we will work to accommodate it.
Can the assessment be done online?
No. Handwriting assessment requires the child to write on paper under standardised conditions. It is delivered in person only.
Book a Handwriting Assessment.
Saturday appointments available. Written report within one week. Supports SEC reasonable accommodation applications.
Book now: €400