Autism and the Rocket Ship Pencil

By Colin Roche, Director of Educational Accounts

croche@baumgartens.com

For any child between kindergarten and 6^th grade, handwriting is a formative component of children’s education, as teachers require written communication from students to see evidence of their comprehension of subjects. By simple observation, autistic children have an added obstacle and whether writing single words or short sentences, these children find this learning process to be a frustrating and unfulfilling experience. Autistic children tend to struggle with writing because they often grasp pens too tight and press down too hard causing most pencils to break. For most children, the basic act of handwriting is usually mastered midway thru elementary school. However, the autistic child’s learning curve is much longer as more time is needed for them to put words on paper.

Autistic children are inclined to draw letters very deliberately and take more time. For example, a 30-minute dictation exercise could take up to two hours. This can be frustrating to both child and parent as in many cases. Not properly addressed, the child may fall behind classmates even though their mental grasp of the particular lesson is proficient. This becomes a slippery slope that often affects confidence because even though the child is unable to adequately convey thoughts on paper in the time required for that grade level, they are mentally capable to comprehend and complete assignments.

This bottleneck of self-expression is further exacerbated by the physical constraints of common writing instruments. Combine that with dexterity issues which perpetuate the autistic child’s anguish and subsequently the primary caregivers and teachers’ commitment to them and their development, and the probable future remains disheartening.

There is good news and a possible solution for many autistic children and their parents and teachers to ultimately win. Recent studies scientifically confirmed that autistic children have trouble with fine motor skills. This means that it is not a mental barrier as some have thought. While many parents of autistic children have known this for years, there is now data to support the fact that students can benefit greatly from simple assistive writing aids that help to refine fine motor skills.

One product in particular is getting positive reviews as an effective solution for teaching the fine motor skill required in handwriting. The PenAgain® Twist-n-Write™ (http://penagain.com/twistnwrite.html) is an ergonomic pencil designed so the child must position the fingers into the school taught “tri-pod” grasp for a comfortable and firm grip. The shape of the pencil resembles a wishbone. The user slips the index finger thru the middle, not unlike a mini crutch for the finger. Grasping both sides with the thumb and middle finger, the pencil has greater surface area contact with its user, distributing less pressure more evenly among fingers providing a comfortable yet stable grip, even if the hold is too tight.

Many parents have commented that learning to write is a positive experience with the Twist-n-Write because children see progress as they use it. Designed to be more intricate, fun and colorful, as opposed to an orthopedic looking device, translates into a deeper sense of curiosity and attention for these children. More time and interest with a tool like the PenAgain creates an attractive experience for children and the result is more time practicing their handwriting. Even the added erasers on both “arms” of the pencil make the act of erasing fun. Many kids have nick-named it the “rocket-ship pencil.”

Word about these unique pencils spread quickly when Parents Magazine wrote, “We’re hearing raves about the easy-to-use Twist-n-Write pencil.

Originally designed to encourage kids to use the proper pencil grip, it makes writing more comfortable and fun for little hands. Parents, teachers, and occupational therapists are reporting that the ergonomic rocket-ship design is also very helpful for kids with weak motor skills, ADHD, autism, or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.”

Once the product hit the market many parents wrote in with their own child’s experience with the pencil. Here’s one such letter:

“I am the parent of a young man with Down Syndrome and Autism. We have tried for many years to find a writing instrument that he can use with his weak grip. We have created many different kinds of items using [clay], but this pen of yours which I saw online is perfect for him. Allowing him to put one finger OVER the pen and stabilize with side fingers, giving him a strong tripod grip is genius.”

Teachers are writing in to give feedback on their experience too:

“Your pencils (Twist-n-Write) have given my most severely impaired students an opportunity to practice their writing with more independence than ever before! I need more Twist-n-Write pencils, though, because they seem to be sold out wherever I look for them! Please help!!!! Thank you so very much!”

You can find the Twist-n-Write and other PenAgain writing instruments in office supply superstores such as Staples and Office Depot, along with a growing list of school supply and stationery store retailers.

The pencil is manufactured and distributed exclusively in the U.S. by Baumgartens (www.baumgartens.com), a manufacturer of unique, useful, and human-and environmentally-friendly products for the office, school and home. The woman-owned, family business supplies products to thousands of retailers and wholesalers across the U.S.A.

For more information, please go to www.penagain.com or contact Baumgartens at 800-247-5547.