Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a learning disability characterized by an inability to write by hand.  Manifestations of dysgraphia make appear as:

1.      Scribbled, sloppy or illegible handwriting.

2.      Improperly spaced letters (e.g. letters are “squished” together, words may contain overly large or overly small letters in combination).

3.      Writing is often riddled with spelling mistakes despite the child’s ability to vocalize proper spelling.

Is there more than one type of Dysgraphia?

Yes.  Dysgraphia can be classified into three types.  Some children may have two or more of these classifications.  The three types are:

1.      Motor Dysgraphia - Children with motor dysgraphia may have poor muscle tone, might be clumsy, and have poor dexterity.  Their handwriting may be slanted (from holding the writing utensil improperly) as well as poor or illegible.  They may complain that writing is painful or uncomfortable.  Spelling skills are generally at the appropriate grade level when tested.

2.      Spatial dysgraphia - Children with spatial dysgraphia may have writing which is illegible due to improper spacing between characters.  Some words may appear “squished” together and other words may be so far apart that it is difficult to read what the child has written.  These children have difficulty copying words from a book or the chalkboard.  However, they have grade appropriate spelling skills.

3.      Dyslexia dysgraphia  - Children with dyslexia dysgraphia have written work which is difficult to read or illegible.  Spelling is far below grade appropriate levels.  Fine motor skills are normal for age and the child is able to copy work fairly accurately.  While a child may be diagnosed as a “dyslexic dysgraphia,” he may not actually have dyslexia. 

What are some of the common symptoms of Dysgraphia?

1.      Children describe pain when writing and assume that this is a normal part of learning to write.

2.      Parents and teachers may assume that the pain described by the child is temporary and related to a muscle spasm - a trivial inconvenience.

3.      Younger children will avoid tasks or rush through tasks involving fine motor skills such as writing, tying shoes, etc.

4.      Older children may prefer to type instead of handwrite.

What can be done to treat Dysgraphia?

 Short-term solutions

1.      Use wide-ruled graph paper instead of notebook paper because it can help children with spatial awareness when writing. 

2.      Older children may find the use of the computer helpful for writing tasks such as reports, short stories, and written homework assignments.

3.      Use smaller/shorter pencils with rubber pencil grips to minimize the physical discomfort when writing. 

4.      Offer older children the opportunity to take written exams as oral exams to minimize anxiety and stress.

5.      Make extensions available for deadlines on homework, exams, or written assignments.

 Long-term solutions

1.      work with children so that they hold their writing utensils properly.

2.      Emphasize organizational patterns and methods such as using note cards to organize thoughts into “categories” when writing; create outlines to minimize the amount of writing; use webbing to brainstorm ideas and place them into “buckets.”

3.      Encourage activities which enhance fine motor skills such as playing a musical instrument, taking a typing class, etc.