What are the symptoms of dysgraphia?
The symptoms of dysgraphia fall into six categories: visual-spatial, fine motor, language processing, spelling/handwriting, grammar, and organization of language. A child may have dysgraphia if his writing skills lag behind those of his peers and he has at least some of these symptoms:
Visual-Spatial Difficulties
- Has trouble with shape-discrimination and letter spacing
- Has trouble organizing words on the page from left to right
- Writes letters that go in all directions, and letters and words that run together on the page
- Has a hard time writing on a line and inside margins
- Has trouble reading maps, drawing or reproducing a shape
- Copies text slowly
Fine Motor Difficulties
- Has trouble holding a pencil correctly, tracing, cutting food, tying shoes, doing puzzles, texting and keyboarding
- Is unable to use scissors well or to color inside the lines
- Holds his wrist, arm, body or paper in an awkward position when writing
Language Processing Issues
- Has trouble getting ideas down on paper quickly
- Has trouble understanding the rules of games
- Has a hard time following directions
- Loses his train of thought
Spelling Issues/Handwriting Issues
- Has a hard time understanding spelling rules
- Has trouble telling if a word is misspelled
- Can spell correctly orally but makes spelling errors in writing
- Spells words incorrectly and in many different ways
- Has trouble using spell-check—and when he does, he doesn’t recognize the correct word
- Mixes upper- and lowercase letters
- Blends printing and cursive
- Has trouble reading his own writing
- Avoids writing
- Gets a tired or cramped handed when he writes
- Erases a lot
Grammar and Usage Problems
- Doesn’t know how to use punctuation
- Overuses commas and mixes up verb tenses
- Doesn’t start sentences with a capital letter
- Doesn’t write in complete sentences but writes in a list format
- Writes sentences that “run on forever”
Organization of Written Language
- Has trouble telling a story and may start in the middle
- Leaves out important facts and details, or provides too much information
- Assumes others know what he’s talking about
- Uses vague descriptions
- Writes jumbled sentences
- Never gets to the point, or makes the same point over and over
- Is better at conveying ideas when speaking
The symptoms of dysgraphia also vary depending on a child’s age. Signs generally appear when children are first learning to write.
- Preschool children may be hesitant to write and draw and say that they hate coloring.
- School-age children may have illegible handwriting that can be mix of cursive and print. They may have trouble writing on a line and may print letters that are uneven in size and height. Some children also may need to say words out loud when writing or have trouble putting their thoughts on paper.
- Teenagers may write in simple sentences. Their writing may have many more grammatical mistakes than the writing of other kids their age.
The impact of dysgraphia on a child’s development varies, depending on the symptoms and their severity. Here are some common areas of struggle for kids with dysgraphia:
- Academic: Kids with dysgraphia can fall behind in schoolwork because it takes them so much longer to write. Taking notes is a challenge. They may get discouraged and avoid writing assignments.
- Basic life skills: Some children’s fine motor skills are weak. They find it hard to do everyday tasks, such as buttoning shirts and making a simple list.
- Social-emotional: Children with dysgraphia may feel frustrated or anxious about their academic and life challenges. If they haven’t been identified, teachers may criticize them for being “lazy” or “sloppy.” This may add to their stress. Their low self-esteem, frustration and communication problems can also make it hard to socialize with other children.
How is dysgraphia diagnosed?Signs of dysgraphia often appear in early elementary school. But the signs may not become apparent until middle school or later. Sometimes the signs go unnoticed entirely. As with all learning and attention issues, the earlier signs of dysgraphia are recognized and addressed, the better. Child-Testing can help identify this and other learning disorders, call us for a consultation (813) 468-6528. During testing, the professional may ask your child to write sentences and copy text. They’ll assess not only your child’s finished product, but also his writing process. This includes posture, position, pencil grip, fatigue and whether there are signs of cramping. The tester may also test fine motor speed with finger tapping and wrist turning. Special education teachers and school psychologists can help determine the emotional or academic impact the condition may be having on your child.
What conditions are related to dysgraphia?
Many children with dysgraphia have other learning issues. These conditions, which can also affect written expression, include:
- Dyslexia: This learning issue makes it harder to read. Dyslexia can also make writing and spelling a challenge. Learn more about the difference between dysgraphia and dyslexia.
- Language disorders: Language disorders can cause a variety of problems with written and spoken language. Children may have trouble learning new words, using correct grammar and putting their thoughts into words.
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): ADHD causes problems with attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
- Dyspraxia: Dyspraxia is a condition that causes poor physical coordination and motor skills. It can cause trouble with fine motor skills, which can affect physical task of writing and printing. Learn about the differences between dysgraphia and dyspraxia.
If your child is found to have dysgraphia and qualifies for special education services, you and a team of teachers and specialists at the school will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This may include intensive instruction in handwriting as well as personalized accommodations and modifications.If your child isn’t eligible for an IEP, another option is to request a 504 plan. This is a written plan that details how the school will accommodate your child’s needs.But even without an IEP or 504 plan, you may be able to get help in other ways:
- Response to intervention (RTI) is an approach some schools use to screen students and provide small group instruction to those who are falling behind. If a child doesn’t make progress, he may receive intensive one-on-one instruction.
- Informal supports are strategies your child’s teacher can use, such as giving your child copies of class notes or using assistive technology tools like voice-to-text (dictation) software.
There are many ways to help a child with dysgraphia. Generally, support falls into these categories:
- Accommodations are changes to how your child learns. Accommodations include typing on a keyboard or other electronic device instead of writing by hand. Apps can help some children stay organized through voice-recorded notes.
- Modifications are changes to what your child learns. Examples of modifications include allowing a student to write shorter papers or answer fewer or different test questions than his classmates.
- Remediation is an approach that targets foundational skills your child needs to master. Some children may practice copying letters, using paper with raised lines to help them write in straight lines. An occupational therapist may provide exercises to build muscle strength and dexterity and increase hand-eye coordination.
There is no medication for treating dysgraphia. However, children who also have ADHD sometimes find that medication for ADHD alleviates symptoms of dysgraphia.
There are many things you can do at home to help your child with dysgraphia. Here are some strategies to consider.
- Observe and take notes. Taking notes about your child’s writing difficulties (including when they occur) will help you find patterns and triggers. Then you can develop strategies to work around them. Your notes will also be useful when you talk to your child’s doctor, teachers and anyone else helping your child.
- Teach your child writing warm-up exercises. Before writing (or even as a break when writing), your child can do a stress-reliever exercise. He could shake his hands quickly or rub them together to relieve tension.
- Play games that strengthen motor skills. Playing with clay can strengthen hand muscles. A squeeze ball can improve hand and wrist muscles and coordination.
It’s best not to try too many strategies at once. Instead, add one at a time so you know what is (or isn’t) working. Praise your child for effort and genuine achievement. This can motivate him to keep building skills. Many kids overcome and work around their writing difficulties. With support, your child can, too.
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