By: Mary Froneberger, MAT

Understanding Dysgraphia: A Guide for Parents and Educators

Despite their best effort and intelligence, some students may struggle with certain aspects of learning including writing. One of the lesser-known learning challenges is dysgraphia, a condition that affects a person’s ability to write, both in terms of handwriting and written expression.

What is Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia is a specific learning disability that primarily affects writing. It can manifest in various ways, such as poor handwriting, difficulty with spelling, inconsistent spacing between words, or trouble organizing thoughts on paper. It’s important to note that dysgraphia is not related to intelligence; individuals with this condition may have average or above-average cognitive abilities. The issue lies specifically in their ability to translate thoughts into written words.

Dysgraphia is often categorized into three types, according to Steven Feifer, D.Ed, NCSP, ABSNP :

1. Graphomotor Dysgraphia: This type relates to difficulties with the physical act of writing. Individuals may struggle with holding a pencil, forming letters, and keeping letters within the lines.
2. Dyslexic Dysgraphia: This type relates to difficulties with spelling due to phonological and/or orthographic processing weaknesses.
3. Executive Dysgraphia: This type relates to difficulties with working memory and executive functioning.

Signs and Symptoms of Dysgraphia

Recognizing dysgraphia early is crucial to providing appropriate support. Signs of dysgraphia can appear at a young age and may include:

• Inconsistent handwriting: Letters may be poorly formed, unevenly spaced, or hard to read.
• Slow writing speed: Students may take much longer than their peers to complete writing tasks.
• Poor spelling: Students may ace a spelling test, but struggle to consistently spell the most basic words in writing composition.
• Difficulty organizing written work: Writing may be disorganized, with unclear sentences or ideas.
• Frequent erasing or rewriting: Students may struggle with making decisions about how to present their work on paper.
• Struggling to keep up with note-taking: In older students, dysgraphia may affect their ability to take notes during lectures.
• Avoidance of writing tasks: Students may become anxious or frustrated when asked to write.

While these symptoms can be signs of dysgraphia, they may also overlap with other learning differences, so it’s important to seek a professional evaluation for an accurate diagnosis.

Impact of Dysgraphia on Learning

Dysgraphia can affect students in many areas of their academic life, beyond just handwriting. Some of the challenges that students with dysgraphia may face include:

• Difficulty Expressing Thoughts: Writing may be so difficult that students can’t get their ideas down on paper, even though they may have a strong understanding of the material.
• Lowered Self-Esteem: Struggling with writing tasks, especially when peers complete them with ease, can lead to frustration and feelings of inadequacy.
• Time Management Issues: Because writing is more time-consuming for students with dysgraphia, they may struggle to finish assignments or tests on time.
• Impact on Other Subjects: Writing difficulties often extend to other areas of schoolwork, like essays, reports, and even math problems, where written explanations are required.
• Frustration and Anxiety: The challenges with writing can create feelings of anxiety, avoidance of schoolwork, and negative self-talk.

How Can Parents and Educators Support Students with Dysgraphia?

With the right evaluation and recommendations, students with dysgraphia can thrive in the classroom and feel more confident in their academic abilities. Here are some helpful tips for evaluation and recommendations for supporting students with dysgraphia:

Evaluation for dysgraphia: This involves a comprehensive psychological-educational evaluation. School systems can evaluate for a specific learning disability in written expression; however, their testing may or may not include measurements that target symptoms of dysgraphia. Clinical psychologists and educational diagnosticians are able to evaluate and diagnose dysgraphia. This is often diagnosed as a Specific Learning Disorder in writing using the DSM-V or other codes using the ICD-10.

Recommendations and supports for dysgraphia:

1. Allow Alternatives to Handwriting

• Use technology: Encourage Students to use a computer or tablet to type instead of writing by hand. Many Students find typing easier than handwriting.
• Speech-to-text: Speech recognition software allows Students to dictate their thoughts, bypassing the need to write manually.
• Use a scribe: In some cases, a teacher or assistant may be able to write down a child’s dictated answers.

2. Provide Additional Time

• Offer extra time for writing assignments, tests, and classwork to reduce pressure and allow students to complete tasks at their own pace.

3. Break Down Tasks into Manageable Steps

• Breaking writing tasks into smaller, more manageable parts can help students focus and avoid feeling overwhelmed. For example, start by brainstorming ideas, then organize them, and finally write the rough draft.
• Use graphic organizers or outlines to help students structure their thoughts before they begin writing.

4. Use Tools to Improve Handwriting

• Specialized paper: Paper with raised lines or wider spaces can help students improve their handwriting and maintain consistency.
• Pencil grips: Grips can provide better control over writing instruments and reduce fatigue.
• Practice with fine motor skills: Activities like drawing, coloring, or using playdough can help improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills.

5. Encourage Self-Advocacy

• Teach students to advocate for themselves by asking for support when needed. This could include asking for extra time, using a computer, or having someone read directions aloud.

6. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Product

• Encourage students to focus on their ideas rather than perfection in handwriting. Positive reinforcement for effort rather than just results can help build self-confidence and motivation.

7. Consider Specialized Instruction

• Work with professionals to design a learning plan tailored to the child’s needs. This may include educational specialists or occupational therapists

Educational Specialists at Child and Family Development are available to help families navigate services for dysgraphia including evaluation and treatment.