What is Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia is a learning disability that makes handwriting very difficult. Most children are diagnosed with this disorder in the early years of school, when they are first learning to write.
Many children with dysgraphia read well and can spell words out loud that they struggle to spell when writing. With the right support and training, most children with dysgraphia can overcome the disability and have no long-term problems.
What are the causes?
The exact cause of dysgraphia is not known. It may be caused by changes in the brain that involve:
- Memory.
- Attention.
- Control of hand movement.
- The ability to think and write at the same time.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of dysgraphia may vary from child to child. Some children only have trouble printing words. Others may spend a lot of time and effort trying to write and get very frustrated. Common symptoms include:
- Unreadable writing.
- Odd word choices and spelling.
- A mix of printed and cursive letters.
- Unfinished and misspelled words.
- Abnormal spacing between words and letters.
- Writing that is too large or too small.
- Placing words in the wrong part of a page.
- Gripping a pencil or pen very hard.
- Having a strange grip, paper position, or body position while trying to write.
How is this diagnosed?
A mental health care provider who is familiar with the disorder usually makes the diagnosis of dysgraphia. This health care provider will watch your child write and may also test:
- Whether your child can write down thoughts and copy written words or sentences.
- Whether your child has an abnormal posture or grip while writing.
- Your child’s finger and hand coordination.
- Your child’s ability to spell words aloud.
How is this treated?
Early diagnosis of dysgraphia is important so treatment can be started in kindergarten or first grade. Many children improve over time. Treatment may include:
- Doing exercises to improve writing.
- Taking extra time to memorize the alphabet.
- Using a keyboard for writing.
- Using a word processor or computer.
- Using a special pencil grip.
- Taking tests and quizzes orally.
- Getting more time to complete assignments.
- Using a tape recorder to take notes.
- Using wide-ruled paper to help place words and letters.
Follow these instructions at home:
Watch your child’s dysgraphia for any changes. The following actions may help to lessen any discomfort he or she is feeling:
- Make sure your child’s teachers know about his or her disability.
- Work with your child on writing exercises at home.
- Do notscold your child for sloppy or careless schoolwork. Be patient and supportive.
