Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a difficulty in writing, resulting in written work which may be illegible and inaccurately spelled. This difficulty may exist in varying degrees and does not match with either the person’s intelligence, which may be above average, or their ability to read. There is often a lack of coordination and fine motor skills.

Children with dysgraphia often can write on some level, but often lack co-ordination, and may find tasks such as tying shoes difficult. It often does not affect all fine motor skills. They can also lack basic spelling skills (having difficulties with p,q,b,d), and often will write the wrong word when trying to formulate thoughts . This disorder generally emerges when they are first introduced to writing. They make inappropriately sized and spaced letters, or write wrong or misspelled words despite thorough teaching.

A child with dysgraphia may exhibit these signs in their writing;

• letter sizes and shapes may be irregular

• a mix of upper and lower case letters

• print and cursive letters mixed together

• find writing tiring

• find difficulty in their thought processes and communication of ideas in their writing

• writing will often have unfinished letters and letter inconsistencies