This webinar will consider why some children experience difficulties with handwriting. It will examine how to identify handwriting difficulties and the key strategies to support handwriting development in accordance with the primary language curriculum. This webinar will present the pros and cons of writing versus typing. Dr. Áine O’Dea will discuss when to consider assistive technology to support written production for children.

Bio of Presenter: Dr. Áine O' Dea

Áine is an occupational therapist with over twenty years clinical and research experience. Áine was one of the recipients of the prestigious SPHeRE (HRB – Health Research Board) scholarship, during which she completed her doctoral studies in the area of Developmental Coordination Disorder/Dyspraxia, examining both the most effective interventions to treat this disorder, and how to combat the negative impacts it has on inclusion and participation for young people. Áine is passionate about supporting parents, professionals and schools to promote the physical, social, emotional and academic potential of all children.  Áine is a published author of several papers in high-impact journals as well as being a contributor to other publications in the areas of occupational therapy, clinical supervision and parent/educator coaching.