drawing problems?

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I need opinions or experiences with drawing. My 5 yo son has problems with basic shapes, square, triangle and circle. I think he was about 4 when he did his first parallel lines so he is behind however now he can write letters (specially the angled ones) reasonably well so I really don't understand the problem. He knows how many sides each shape has and can do them if he draws the dots first.

Does anyone has an idea what is the problem and how to help him?

Thanks, I appreciate it.

i'm not sure the landmarks for something like that, but I do remember that my daughter had a heck of a time with letters, especially reversing the way they faced. In fact, she's 8 now and still does it on occasion. In what way is he having problems drawing?

You might be interested to read about dysgraphia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysgraphia

Basically, the brain (due to abnormal neurology) has poor fine motor control. This is fairly common amongst autistic people or aspies due to our abnormal neurology. If it helps you to understand it, try thinking about how well you would write or draw with your off hand. For example, writing with your left hand if you are right handed. Theoretically you should be able to write with both hands equally well because both of your hands have the same muscles, bones, and tendons. The reason your right hand is better then your left is solely due to the way your brain is wired. If your brain isn't working well in that area then it is effectively like trying to write without a primary hand.

Related aspects are ataxia which is the same thing, but for gross motor control
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypotonia

And hypotonia, which is the name given for the general low muscle tone.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypotonia

Since all three of these things are caused by abnormal neurology, they often times go together. So if your child has problems with letters, they may also be somewhat physically clumsy, and perhaps have poor muscle tone.

Have you had your son evaluated for fine motor deficits/OT needs? An OT cannot diagnose dysgraphia; a psycho-neurologist is generally required for that. But whether or not your son is dysgraphic, it sounds like he may need the support of an OT. The school should provide an evaluation, and if necessary, OT services.

There is also hyermobility that may be involved (loose joints). Although, if letters are not a problem, then I consider hyerpmobility unlikely; the problem sounds nuerological.

All these conditions can play out differently in each child, remember.

thanks.
dw, yes i also think it is neurological just don't know how i can help him. he has seen neurologist and she said he was fine, and he has OT for more than a year now but she has the same problems with him i.e. teaching doesn't help.