Write Like Zella
An Evidence-Informed Approach for Teaching Handwriting to Children with Autism
When Handwriting Instruction Isn’t Producing Progress
If you’ve worked with a child whose handwriting isn’t improving despite consistent instruction, you know how discouraging it can become—for both the child and the adult supporting them.
You adjust your approach. You modify prompts. You provide repetition and encouragement. Yet progress remains inconsistent, slow, or difficult to sustain.
For many autistic learners, this is not a matter of effort or motivation. Rather, it reflects a mismatch between traditional handwriting instruction and the way these learners process information, plan movements, and acquire new motor patterns.
Write Like Zella introduces a structured, evidence-informed approach designed to align with how neurodivergent children learn–providing a clear pathway to functional and consistent handwriting outcomes.
Why Handwriting Feels So Effortful for Autistic Learners
Handwriting involves far more than holding a pencil and forming letters on a page. It requires the integration of fine motor control, visual-motor coordination, motor planning, attention, sensory processing, and cognitive organization–all working together in real time.k.
For many autistic learners, differences across these systems can make writing feel effortful, inconsistent, and even overwhelming. When instruction does not align with how a child processes information and develops motor patterns, progress is often limited and difficult to sustain. When instruction is structured in a way that matches how a child learns, performance and confidence begin to shift.
WHAT IS WRITE LIKE ZELLA?
Write Like Zella introduces a systematic, evidence-informed framework designed for neurodivergent learners. Rather than relying on repetition alone,, this approach emphasizes:
Clear, predictable visual structure
Consistent routines that support motor learning
Direct, purposeful prompting
Adaptable strategies based on the child in front of you
Read more about Write Like Zella here.
What You’ll Learn
This course is built for occupational therapists, OTAs, educators, clinicians, and parents who want practical tools they can use immediately. You will leave with a framework that replaces trial and error with confidence and clarity. By the end of the course, you will be able to:
Understand how handwriting supports academic, functional, and communication skills
Identify the motor, visual, and cognitive components impacting performance
Apply evidence-informed strategies for structured handwriting instruction
Use modeling, prompting hierarchies, and fading techniques with clarity
Adapt instruction based on sensory, motor, and communication profiles
“Ashlee is a highly knowledgeable occupational therapist and brings a wide range of skills to her work with children. Her ability to connect with kids, adapt strategies to individual needs, and support development across areas like motor skills, sensory processing, and daily routines is truly impressive. Ashlee creates a positive and supportive environment to make children feel comfortable. I would highly recommend working with Ashlee!” —Abby Singleton
The Story Behind Write Like Zella
DESIGNED BY Ashlee Schmitt, MOT, OTR/L
Zella was one of Ashlee’s early clients–a strong-willed, expressive preschooler who made it very clear that traditional handwriting tasks were not working for her.
Instead of pushing harder, Ashlee shifted her lens. She paid attention to what supported Zella’s focus, what sparked engagement, and what made participation feel possible.
By being curious, everything changed. Zella went from resisting writing to forming letters, copying words, composing sentences, and eventually writing full paragraphs! What began with one child has grown into a framework that now supports many.
“I can’t say enough positive things about Ashlee, an amazing Occupational Therapist, and the practice she created, ColorfullyEnthused*. Ashlee is incredibly motivated, driven, and truly passionate about her work, and it shines through in everything she does. She consistently goes above and beyond, whether it’s creating engaging activities for kids, sharing valuable tips for parents/caregivers, or developing custom-made resources. Her love for OT is evident in the way she approaches each day with energy and creativity. ColorfullyEnthused* is lucky to be led by someone who brings so much heart and expertise into everything she does. I highly recommend her practice to anyone seeking quality, compassionate occupational therapy services. Any family or professional who has the chance to work with Ashlee is in exceptional hands!”
—Brooke Oldaker
Who This Course Is For
If you are ready for a more organized, effective way to teach handwriting, you are in the right place. This course is designed for:
Occupational therapists and OTAs
School-based therapists and intervention specialists
Educators and special education teachers
Clinicians working with autistic children
Parents of children with autism
Ready to Teach Handwriting With Confidence?
You need a method that meets your learners where they are.
