Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia is a term that refers to trouble with writing. Many
experts view dysgraphia as challenges with a set of skills known as
transcription. It can manifest itself as difficulties with spelling, poor
hand writing and trouble putting thoughts on paper. Dysgraphia is
often co-morbid with other conditions such as ADHD or DCD for
example.
Key Difficulties
- Struggling to think of the words to write or using
the incorrect word in a sentence. - Handwriting is illegible (poor formation, spacing,
letter reversals, mixture of upper/lower case,
unfinished letters ) - Slow handwriting speed
- Difficulties with spellings in free writing
- Missing punctuation or poor use of grammar
- Poor fine motor control
- Unusual pencil grip
- Tires quickly during handwriting or experiences
pain - Refusal to complete handwriting tasks
- Excellent ideas but not always able to “get
these onto paper”.
Helpful Tips
- Extra time to complete handwriting
- Visual supports for learning
- Alternative recording methods (touch typing is not
always helpful for these children) - SnapType app
- Specialist pencil grips
- Key vocab lists and checklists
- Speech to text software or Dictaphone’s
- Time to proof read
- Opportunities and time to visually plan work
- Broken down instructions
- Use coloured paper with raised lines or graph paper
- when handwriting
- Complete a fine motor skills programme
Further reading/helpful websites
- www.understood.org
- www.dyslexia.org.uk
- Dysgraphia: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Dysgraphia and Helping a Dysgraphic Child. By N.Brant
- Writing Right: A Story About Dysgraphia . By C.Baker (for children age 5-10 yrs)