Parents often report that they notice that their children do not have as nice handwriting as the parents did at their age.  It may be that the school does not focus on teaching this since children are typing more on the computer rather than writiing. In fact, some schools do not even teach cursive writing or "long hand" writing for the kids in school. The reason is often stated by educators that children do not need or use cursive writing any more since they rely on typing emails or printing on forms.  The problem is when a child has to complete a form for college or a job or send a thank-you note he may not be able to write neatly. People that read the form or note often judge the persons' abilitiies based on the handwriting. Parents can overcome this with the following ideas for encouragining good hand writing.
1.  Children might practice handwriting  along with reading on days they do not have homework. 
2.  Hire a tututor if your childs' handwriting is particularly bad and you have not been able to solve this problem. 
3.  Review anything your child writes and have him rewrite it if it is not as neeat as you think it should be.
4.  Using line paper is useful to improve the neatness of the handwriting.
5.  Writing something for your child and have them imitate the hand writing. This is called "Modeling" or demonstrating the behavior. 
6.  Make sure the writing instuments are sharp or use a pen. Erasable pens are usful in training since you can erase one word or letter and have them rewrite it.
7.  Have your child make the weekly grocery list and encourage or prompt him to write neatly so that everyone can read it while shopping. 
8.  Children in lower grades should be encourage to do there writing homework neatly so that later it does not become an issue. 
9.  Have your child assist in filling out forms at docters or other forms in order to practice neat handwriting.
Finally, remember to follow any training with the kind of praise, or activity reward that your child likes! The reinforcement will help him to learn to write more neatly and also result in the child writing more neatl in the future!  

In choosing which exercises to work on first more frequently in a child with poor motor skills and aspirer or autism one should think about the functional skill deficits of the child. If a child is having difficulty using a fork or spoon then sports or leisure activities that emphasize the hands may be beneficial since you will be strengthening these muscles and movements.  Exercises that stress the lower body are also beneficial but if the priority is to develop self-care skills that require more dexterity then he as the fine motor movements should be emphasized. Some leisure activities such as using an iPad may also improve fine motor skills. 

Finally, one should also consider forks or spoons for example that are easier for the child with motor problems to use. Considering the selection of equipment and leisure or sports activities can be important in promotion of more rapid learning of self-care and daily living skills in children with both motor and Autism or  Attention problems. 

Behavior Therapist often use music as part of their treatment plan. In past years music therapy was funded by organizations more often.  Soon they started fading out funding for this type of therapy. Many clinicians and parents were disappointed by this fading of the service. Often facilities or caregivers would incorporate music therapy in the recreational therapy which was covered.  Currently, music is used predominantly in Behavior therapy and recreational therapy. Parents and caregivers should let the recreation or behavior therapist know if their child enjoys music as a reinforcer. 

Behavior therapist do a functional assessment which includes a reinforcer survey. If music is determined to be a reinforcer it is very helpful as a part of the behavior plan informally or formally. Often the behavior therapist will use music as a replacement behavior or just as a learned or acquisition skill with the program.  If the child enjoys the sensory reinforcement of the sounds or use of their arms to manipulate items a musical instrument or device can be very effective.  The  child can also receive an extrinsic reinforcer for playing the instrument. Finally, the behavior therapist may teach the child to play instrument using other reinforcers such as tokens, edible reinforcers or social praise.  

Some examples of using music to replace behavior include drums for sensory reinforcement including the sound and the vibration. Another example is using radio stations that are preferred on a headset to provide sensory reinforcement if the child likes that type of music. Music might be also scheduled during the day as relaxation for children that are aggitated or aggressive.  In addition learning a new instrument may result in social praise and attention when the child plays the instrument.  

Music can be utilize by the behavior therapist in a variety of methods. One method is to have the child play the instrument. A second method is to have the child play music on a radio, stereo or on earphones. Headphones are especially practical and easy to use with contingencies of the program.  The headphones are practical because you can use them in any location such as when going to a doctor appointment, in the car, at work, and on the bus.  Some instruments can be played outside or in a private room if they disturb others or headsets can be used with some instruments. The therapist or caregiver can put the headphones on easily when the child is displaying good behavior based on the targeted goals for behavior.  Music can help the therapist to create a positive environment for the child even during non-preferred activites.The result is an increase in compliance and decrease in inappropriate behavior.  As people often say music can make the world go round. 

Parents often have behavior problems that seem unsolvable. A brainstorming session about the environment often leads to completely eliminating the behavior problem.  Some examples of this type of solution are listed below.  The childs home situation can be altered to solve the behavior problems. For example, if two children are fighting regularly in the bedroom the family might make arrangements to have them sleep in different areas. If a second bedroom is not available the living room can be used simply by adding a sleeper couch, futon or even a folding cot for camping.  Another area is the school program. At times the bus or classroom can be an arena for arguments. In this case moving the childs' seat, changing bus or bus seating. Finally, if clothing becomes a stimulus for a behavior problem. For example, a child that has tantrums if his clothes are torn or wet might be better off with waterproof or stronger material pants.  Brainstorming is very important in design of programs and working together with your therapist is very effective in solving your childs' problems completely!