How Does Writer\u2019s Block Impact Students with Disabilities?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Anybody can experience writer\u2019s block. However, it\u2019s important to note that writer\u2019s block may be especially challenging for some students with disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance, students with symptoms of ADHD<\/a>, autism spectrum<\/a>, ODD<\/a>, emotional disabilities<\/a>, or Dysgraphia<\/a> (a disability that impacts one\u2019s ability to spell, write, and express themselves through writing); or students who have processing speed<\/a> challenges, may need support with writing essays and getting past writer’s block.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some reasons students with disabilities need help with writing essays or struck with writer’s block is because they may struggle with one or more of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Above are just some of the reasons students with disabilities may struggle with writing essays, but there are more. If writing essays is an area of difficulty for you personally, you may have different reasons for your challenges than the ones listed. The good news is, there are ways to get support for your (or your child’s\/student’s) writing needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the US public school system, parents can request an evaluation from their child\u2019s school to determine the presence of a disability and how the school can support their child\u2019s writing needs. Wherever you live or send your child to school, it never hurts to ask what supports are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes students struggle with writing essays that are not related to schoolwork. For instance, they may want to apply for a scholarship, college, or special school that asks for an essay. Or maybe they want to write their own stories at home. They struggle to get their thoughts on paper, but the dream is there. Additionally, in some cases, adults with disabilities need to write an essay, but they may not have the support they need at college or at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below are 8 tips for people with and without disabilities, to work through writer’s block <\/strong>and get those ideas on paper (or on your tablet or computer).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Writer\u2019s block is sometimes described as a fear of a blank page. And it is exactly this \u2013 if you get rid of the blankness, the fear will go away as well. So start writing whatever you have on your mind right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These intitial writings are not something you will submit. They are just to get you started. Pick a topic you love, draw a picture, type something silly, or even use your table, smart phone or computer for speech to text. Say what you want out loud and it will automatically type. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also record your voice and copy down what you said\u2026no matter how silly or related it is to the topic. Even if the only writing surface you have is the ground and some sidewalk chalk…write something. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most students write their papers in a linear fashion: from the beginning to the end. While it works sometimes for some people, it is not necessarily the right approach for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you do not know how to begin your paper, you can start by writing a portion that may go in the middle. The other pieces will fall into place. When I work on a puzzle, if I can\u2019t find how two pieces connect, I try to find other pieces, rather then staying stuck on the same ones. This is a simlar concept. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, If you are writing about why you would be a good candidate for student council and you have no idea where to start, you can write (or speech-to-text) anything that comes to mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance you might write:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A tool like a graphic organizer<\/a> can really help you pull your essay together as well. It will allow you to make a visual outline for your writing piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sample Graphic Organizer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Below is a sample graphic organizer to put the essay on paper as well. It is called a hamburger graphic organizer. You can take the concepts from the box at the top and transfer them to the hamburger. Then refer to the hamburger as you type, write, or speech-to-text your essay on a blank sheet of paper, or a blank document on your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes people get hung-up on frequent edits throughout their work. Wait until the end. One you have completed your writing piece, use an editing program like Microsoft Word or Grammarly. You can also ask a trusted family member or friend to check for any errors. Double or triple-check your work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Microsoft Word<\/a> (click review tab, <\/em>then click read aloud<\/em>) and TTSreader.com<\/a> also read your text aloud so you (or your child\/student) can read and listen for any needed edits at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We do not have to have a complete thought or sentence in our minds to get started on an essay. Sometimes, we have a vague idea and that is enough to begin. If you have even the slightest thought that could be related to your topic, start developing it. Even if you don\u2019t see how you are going to connect it to the rest of your essay, it will come together in the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, in the self-care example from above I could start with something as simple as, I want to write about self-care\u2026or even just \u201cself-care.\u201d Two words are a start ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes electronics can be a distraction when working on an essay. You may feel an urge to check your social media, look up an unrelated topic, or watch Youtube videos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Listening to classical music or nature sounds through headphones while working may help increase your focus as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCheck with Your Child’s School About Their Options for Writing Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What About When Writing Support from School is Not an Option?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Write (or Say) Something, Anything<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n2. Do Not Force Yourself to Write Your Essay in Order<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n3. Complete Your Editing at the End<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Even a Vague Idea is a Start<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Eliminate Distractions <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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