Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional Touch screen monitor for fine motor delays?

While DS4.10 has no issues using mouse and any other input device (and has my old laptop at his disposal), DS3.3 has much more severe fine motor skills delay. He is not able to use the mouse at all (unless he flips it upside down to navigate the ball on an old style mouse) and he is basically stuck using his Leappad, my android phone or my Kindle Fire HD. And HE is the child who would benefit greatly from using an actual computer and since my main computer screen just broke down, I wonder if I should get a basic touch screen instead of a regular monitor so he could start using the computer too?

I guess, my main question is, do I help him gain access to more learning options by giving him this "crutch" in form of a touch screen, or do I still keep him away from it while we work on his fine motor skills? (his own inability to use and manipulate a lot of items causes serious frustration on his part)

or, another option, do we spend a little extra and get a touch screen laptop?

Trackball's are another nice way to go. Such as http://www.infogrip.com/bigtrack-trackball.html

Touch screens can still be a bit frustrating if you misjudge, but touchscreens will only become more and more ubiquitous.

I didn't think about the trackball. Thanks for the tip! I'll see at the store if it's something he'd be interested in using.

Ended up getting a used touchscreen 12" tablet laptop (Dell Latitude XT) on eBay. Under $100, great condition (pretty much like new) and under $100! At least I won't feel too bad if it won't last too long!