Dysgraphia is a condition that causes trouble with written expression. Writing difficulties are common among children and can stem from a variety of learning and attention issues.
There’s no cure or easy fix for dysgraphia. But there are strategies and therapies that can help a child improve his writing. This will help him thrive in school and anywhere else expressing himself in writing is important.
The term comes from the Greek words dys (“impaired”) and graphia (“making letter forms by hand”). Dysgraphia is a brain-based issue. It’s not the result of a child being lazy.
For many children with dysgraphia, just holding a pencil and organizing letters on a line is difficult. Their handwriting tends to be messy. Many struggle with spelling and putting thoughts on paper. Tasks like putting ideas into language that is organized, stored and then retrieved from memory may all add to struggles with written expression.
The DSM-5 uses the phrase “an impairment in written expression” under the category of “specific learning disorder.” This is the term used by most doctors and psychologists. IDEA describes it under the category of “specific learning disability.”
Whatever definition is used, slow or sloppy writing isn’t necessarily a sign that your child isn’t trying hard enough. Writing requires a complex set of fine motor and language processing skills. For kids with dysgraphia, the writing process is harder and slower.
Hesitant to write and draw; says they hate coloring or avoids fine motor activities.
Illegible handwriting (mix of cursive/print); uneven letter size; may need to say words out loud while writing.
Writes in very simple sentences; significantly more grammatical mistakes than peers their age.
Experts believe dysgraphia involves issues in step(s) of the writing process: organizing information in memory and/or physically getting words onto paper.
A difficulty in the working memory's ability to store unfamiliar written words, making it hard to remember how to form a letter or word.
Note: It is often mistaken for laziness because the written product doesn't reflect what the child actually knows.
Challenges with reading and spelling often overlap with writing issues.
Attention and impulsivity issues can significantly impact the writing process.
Difficulty using correct grammar or putting thoughts into words.
Poor physical coordination affects the fine motor task of printing.
Source: NCLD, Understood