What is Dysgraphia?

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LD Basics | Language & Math | Writing

What is Dysgraphia?

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By NCLD Editorial Staff
Published: December 9 2010

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing, which requires a complex set of motor and information processing skills. Dysgraphia makes the act of writing difficult. It can lead to problems with spelling, poor handwriting, and putting thoughts on paper. People with dysgraphia can have trouble organizing letters, numbers, and words on a line or page. This can result partly from:

Visual-spatial difficulties: trouble processing what the eye sees
Language processing difficulty: trouble processing and making sense of what the ear hears

As with all learning disabilities (LD), dysgraphia is a lifelong challenge, although how it manifests may change over time. A student with this disorder can benefit from specific accommodations in the learning environment. Extra practice learning the skills required to be an accomplished writer can also help.

Watch: Dysgraphia Explained

What are the Warning Signs of Dysgraphia?

Just having bad handwriting doesn't mean a person has dysgraphia. Since dysgraphia is a processing disorder, difficulties can change throughout a lifetime. However since writing is a developmental process — children learn the motor skills needed to write, while learning the thinking skills needed to communicate on paper — difficulties can also overlap.

In Early Writers

Tight, awkward pencil grip and body position
Avoiding writing or drawing tasks
Trouble forming letter shapes
Inconsistent spacing between letters or words
Poor understanding of uppercase and lowercase letters
Inability to write or draw in a line or within margins
Tiring quickly while writing

In Young Students

Illegible handwriting
Mixture of cursive and print writing
Saying words out loud while writing
Concentrating so hard on writing that comprehension of what's written is missed
Trouble thinking of words to write
Omitting or not finishing words in sentences

In Teenagers and Adults

Trouble organizing thoughts on paper
Trouble keeping track of thoughts already written down
Difficulty with syntax structure and grammar
Large gap between written ideas and understanding demonstrated through speech

What Strategies Can Help?

There are many ways to help a person with dysgraphia achieve success. Generally strategies fall into three main categories:

Accommodations: providing alternatives to written expression
Modifications: changing expectations or tasks to minimize or avoid the area of weakness
Remediation: providing instruction for improving handwriting and writing skills

Each type of strategy should be considered when planning instruction and support. A person with dysgraphia will benefit from help from both specialists and those who are closest to the person. Finding the most beneficial type of support is a process of trying different ideas and openly exchanging thoughts on what works best.

Although teachers and employers are required by law to make "reasonable accommodations" for individuals with learning disabilities, they may not be aware of how to help. Speak to them about dysgraphia and explain the challenges faced as a result of this learning disability.

Here are examples of how to teach individuals with dysgraphia to overcome some of their difficulties with written expression.

Early Writers

Be patient and positive, encourage practice, and praise effort. Becoming a good writer takes time and practice.

Use paper with raised lines for a sensory guide to staying within the lines.
Try different pens and pencils to find one that's most comfortable.
Practice writing letters and numbers in the air with big arm movements to improve motor memory of these important shapes. Also practice letters and numbers with smaller hand or finger motions.
Encourage proper grip, posture and paper positioning for writing. It's important to reinforce this early as it's difficult for students to unlearn bad habits later on.
Use multi-sensory techniques for learning letters, shapes and numbers. For example, speaking through motor sequences, such as "b" is "big stick down, circle away from my body."
Introduce a word processor on a computer early; however do not eliminate handwriting for the child. While typing can make it easier to write by alleviating the frustration of forming letters, handwriting is a vital part of a person's ability to function in the world.

Young Students

Encourage practice through low-stress opportunities for writing. This might include writing letters or in a diary, making household lists, or keeping track of sports teams.

Allow use of print or cursive - whichever is more comfortable.
Use large graph paper for math calculation to keep columns and rows organized.
Allow extra time for writing assignments.
Begin writing assignments creatively with drawing, or speaking ideas into a tape recorder
Alternate focus of writing assignments - put the emphasis on some for neatness and spelling, others for grammar or organization of ideas.
Explicitly teach different types of writing - expository and personal essays, short stories, poems, etc.
Do not judge timed assignments on neatness and spelling.
Have students proofread work after a delay - it's easier to see mistakes after a break.
Help students create a checklist for editing work - spelling, neatness, grammar, syntax, clear progression of ideas, etc.
Encourage use of a spell checker - speaking spell checkers are available for handwritten work
Reduce amount of copying; instead, focus on writing original answers and ideas
Have student complete tasks in small steps instead of all at once.
Find alternative means of assessing knowledge, such as oral reports or visual projects

Teenagers and Adults

Many of these tips can be used by all age groups. It is never too early or too late to reinforce the skills needed to be a good writer.

Provide tape recorders to supplement note taking and to prepare for writing assignments.
Create a step-by-step plan that breaks writing assignments into small tasks (see below).
When organizing writing projects, create a list of keywords that will be useful.
Provide clear, constructive feedback on the quality of work, explaining both the strengths and weaknesses of the project, commenting on the structure as well as the information that is included.
Use assistive technology such as voice-activated software if the mechanical aspects of writing remain a major hurdle.

How to Approach Writing Assignments

Plan your paper (Pull together your ideas and consider how you want them in your writing.)
Organize your thoughts and ideas
Create an outline or graphic organizer to be sure you've included all your ideas.
Make a list of key thoughts and words you will want to use in your paper.

1. Write a Draft

This first draft should focus on getting your ideas on paper - don't worry about making spelling or grammar errors. Using a computer is helpful because it will be easier to edit later on.

2. Edit Your Work

Check your work for proper spelling, grammar and syntax; use a spell checker if necessary.
Edit your paper to elaborate and enhance content - a thesaurus is helpful for finding different ways to make your point.

3. Revise Your Work, Producing a Final Draft

Rewrite your work into a final draft.
Be sure to read it one last time before submitting it.

This article is made possible by a grant from the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.

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45 Comments

Jenny, that sounds amazing! Glad you found an answer, something that will help your son. This may be helpful for others to try as well! Thank you for sharing with us!

Posted by: Yonati (NCLD intern) on Monday, 02 July 2012
Hi there, Lee. Check out our Resource Locator (http://www.ncld.org/resource-locator) for possibilities in your area. Also, make sure you’ve read our pages on Evaluation (http://www.ncld.org/at-school/your-childs-rights/evaluation) to see what you might be eligible for from your child’s school district.

Posted by: Yonati (NCLD intern) on Monday, 02 July 2012
My 7-year old was recently diagnosed with dysgraphia via a private educational consultant. We discovered something was wrong when most of his assignments came home crumpled, unfinished, and often bearing holes in the paper due to his pencil being pressed through it or excessive erasures. The consultant said his IQ is fine, and his language skills exceptional (99th percentile), but he cannot get his thoughts on paper. To take action, we've introduced him to keyboarding skills, to give him a voice, piano, to help with fine motor, and tennis, to sharpen his attention span and get his energy out. It's early, but we've seen some improvement, especially in his self-esteem.

Posted by: Jenny on Thursday, 28 June 2012
I am a 35 year old that has dyslexia and had a hard time in school. I am now a mother and my 8 year old son is showing signs of some sort of learning disability, he is in Speach he took a test for dyslexia but it came out okay, now they are going to test for dysgraphia. Will dysgraphia fall in line with testing anxiety or being classified as ADD? Please let me know I don't want my boy disliking school and that's what is happening. Please help me and thank you for everything!

Posted by: Jodie on Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Where should I take my child to be tested for dysgraphia?

Posted by: Lee on Friday, 15 June 2012
My son went to a social worker for refusing school. The social worker and his doctor recommended a neuropsychological exam which consists of intelligence tests (WISC) the neuro-psychologist was able to diagnose learning disabilities after these tests. It took four months in Minneapolis to get this testing done. We did the testing at Fraser center. They also do it at the Univ. of MN. He is seven and now has an occupational therapist who recommends "handwriting without tears"

Posted by: Kelly Newcomer on Sunday, 27 May 2012
i have no lift i play video games all day and my mom is not with me

Posted by: cody on Monday, 14 May 2012
I know kids who probably have dysgraphia and work on improving handwriting in occupational therapy. My question is, when is it appropriate to shift focus from improving handwriting to using a word processor or other accommodations? These kids are expected to complete writing tasks with correct spelling, capitalization, letter sizing, and placement in the lines. I don't know how they can think about what they are writing while having to attend to so many technicalities.

Posted by: SW on Wednesday, 09 May 2012
I am led to beleive that I have Dysgraphia. I've had bad handwriting all my life, but thank god for computers. Is it true that this can affect your hand-eye coordination?

Posted by: Mickey on Sunday, 29 April 2012
My 8 yr old son was just diagnosed with Dysgraphia. I admit I had to Google it because I had no idea what it was. When he was younger he was diagnosed with a fine motor skill delay and was offered special education services through the school but when he got to 1st grade it was determined through the school (against my wishes) that he no longer qualified. I just wonder if he had stayed in special ed would this have been discovered sooner? His teacher has sent home notes about how he doesn't finish his work and how he needs to work on his writing, she even gave him a failing grade for it. Her comments have left him with an anxiety disorder. Reading all of these posts have given me hope that I can help him. Even if it means going to battle with the school

Posted by: D.A. on Tuesday, 03 April 2012
Some of the smartest people have dysgraphia and I am 14 and I always get upsett when people can't look passed my errorrs and see the big picture. By the way I think in pictures. No one could read what estine wrote out by hand and he devolved genral realitivty. Dysgraphia is not a disability its a sine you are better and smarter in a differnt area and you think faster then you can write down it could be art, science, math if you wacth the placement of your numbers or you could be a beautiful author and people wouldent know. Don't let anyone ever treat you stupid it's not always a disability. I have dysgraphia and I take all pre-ap and ap classes I'm editor and cheif of the yearbook and also first chair trumpet. And they wanted to hold me back In the first grade eventhough I could read 12th grade level my mom didn't let them and know today I am at the top of all my classes.

Posted by: Summer breeze :D on Monday, 02 April 2012
My son is a junior and almost 17 yrs old. He was diagnosed in 3rd grade with dysgraphia. It took a continual battle until he was in the 6th grade to get him an IEP. The district was to have a laptop for his use in school but never actually rec'd until freshman year was almost completed. According to his IEP he is to have OT services but hasn't really received them until this year...now his "new" OT has decided that although he was diagnosed by a dr with dysgraphia, he doesn't have it and is trying to take away his IEP. I filed suit with the state brd of ed last year and won. My point: parents become aware of your rights and make the schools and co-ops provide needed services for your kid. Never quit fighting.

Posted by: JR on Friday, 30 March 2012
Try to get your child diagnosed early. I recognized the signs of dysgraphia in my son when he was in 2nd grade. He had 10 of 11 of the diagnostic signs. He had an IEP from second grade. by jr. high they had moved him to a 504 plan. He never wanted to stand out, so if a teacher didn't seem to be aware that he had a 504, he would hesitate to bring notice to it. Now he is in his final year of high school and is taking AP lit and composition. Now he has switched teachers and is nearly failing the comp part. She is marking up all his mis-spelling. No teacher has ever really focused on spelling and he is a terrible speller, always has been, except on actual spelling tests where he had to memorize the night before. I wish I had gotten him formally diagnosed, so that his teachers would have to read and understand what dysgraphia is. He has all A's at the moment except a 71 in her class. This is work that must be completed in class so he has no opportunity to edit or even take time to go over the work.

Posted by: L Murphy on Thursday, 22 March 2012
I only discovered my diagnosis later in life my parents never told me. It prevented me from graduating college and my entire carrer.

Posted by: Tom on Sunday, 11 March 2012
I wish that I could tell you haw often people have been very rude, hateful, and down right condesinding toward me. I am 61 years old have Grand Mal Epeliptic seizures. I have NEVER been able to spell correctly. Yet on a dailey basis, people continue to berate me, and call me ignorant because I can not spell correctly. All, and I repeat ALL OF THEM, knew what I was saying in my messege or they would not of been able to correct my spelling, and point out what I did wrong. There should be some way to EDUCATE the public about learning dissabalities, and the fact that it is NOT A SIGN of ignorance. Thank YOu.

Posted by: Peggy on Saturday, 10 March 2012
Our 10 year old son has just been diagnosed with dysgraphia. It is such a relief to actually know what it is that he has been struggling with and to now move forward and help him with this LD. So, many times have we met with the teachers, with us saying something was not right and the teachers responding that he was lazy and just wanted to rush through his work and get out for recess. He has been punished at school for this and made to miss recess. Children with dysgraphia and any LD have to work so much harder than children without LD's yet they don't get any recognition for this tremendous mental effort they are exerting each day in school. I am so encouraged by the posts here - that there is hope for my son, that he will succeed and feel good about himself.

Posted by: Catherin on Friday, 24 February 2012
My son is 20 now and suffered terribly in school. It does effect the ability to button and tie shoes. I bought velcro shoes and did not expect him to button - let alone organize anything. He could hardly get dressed. His writing was also visually on a different angle horizontally and vertically. School was torture. He was determined to never accept any help with a 504 plan. So even if you get your child diagnosed, and the plan written, it is still up to the individual to help themselves!

Posted by: kate kennedy on Wednesday, 15 February 2012
I am 27 and have dysgraphia, I got help in school by having notes given to me instead of me having to write them. I was also able to use a computer to take notes which helped greatly. My typing skills are good yet I still and always wills struggle with grammar and spelling. I have graduated from College and have a good job. I encourage everyone who has a learning disability to not be ashamed but become aware and get all the help you can. Don't feel stupid for needing to do things differently or getting extra help! You can do it!

Posted by: Suzie on Friday, 10 February 2012
I am 15 and have dysgraphia. Although it is difficult to overcome sometimes, I'm doing very well in high school. I'm honors classes and have above a 3.5 gpa. The only thing that is reallyyyyyy difficult for me mostly is my foreign language class and memorizing anything. So does anybody have any suggestions for that? I also have procrastination issues as well. Any info is greatly appreciated. :)

Posted by: Alyssa on Wednesday, 11 January 2012
I'm not sure if I had any. In the 4th grade, I hated creative writing, as it involved using as many vocab words as possible, which was difficult for me. As a teen, I hated argumentative essays (and still dislike it, but to a lesser degree), because if it came to a topic I had no thoughts/opinions about, I'm not able to come up with any ideas. I'm also not that great at writing out a thesis (or even having to "guess" what a thesis might be.) in a introductory, especially if it came to a topic I knew I had ideas about, but difficult to write out, so I put it off, even now. Nowadays it's easier to say what I think after dedicating myself to think more critically more often. Still, these things pop up from time to time. You know what my problem is now besides essays? Technical research memorandums and other technical stuff (not instruction manuals). Oh, fun.

Posted by: Diana on Friday, 16 December 2011
where are those pictures !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: PH. on Monday, 21 November 2011
My son is 9 years old with dysgraphia and visual perceptual deficits. I can recommend an Occupational therapist for evaluation and treatment of dysgraphia. My son learned cursive handwriting before third grade and it helped his legibility immensely. His OT is also teaching him to type. Their report also might help you get an EIP or 504 plan. We also moved him to a Montessori school which has helped him immensely as they teach skills to mastery rather than moving on and it is much more individualized than the regular school system. We got a partial scholarship from our state to send him there. Also, I recommend Ginger Software as it is not just a spell check but a grammar check designed specifically for dysgraphics. Last but not least, we put him through intensive vision therapy as well as the Interactive Metronome program and both also helped him. May God bless all of these beautiful children and give us as parents perseverance!!

Posted by: Dana on Saturday, 05 November 2011
My name is Selma L. Jackson and I am 62 in college, and I have dysgraphia. I need help to write and compose my college paper. I have a macbook pro what software could help me.

Posted by: Selma L. Jackson on Thursday, 13 October 2011
Hi, my 8 yr old daugther was just recently diagnosed with severe dysgraphia. We were getting her tested for autism (which thankfully she does not have) when we found out that she has dysgraphia. When she writes she has pain in her arms and cannot space between words. She argues and avoids writing anything on paper and has a hard time comprehending anything she sees although she is an excellent reader. Her doctors are recommending she gets a computer to help her with all of her assignments, if not she will be set up for failure due to her severity. If anyone knows of any organization that might be able to help me get her a computer i would appreciate it. Things thus far have not been easy and I would love for my baby to be successful in life.

Posted by: Gia on Thursday, 06 October 2011
Not sure if Dysgraphia is my issue...I am 52 and have trouble making certain letters and numbers. I have always has a very neat handwriting, as does my Mom and siblings (even my brothers have great handwriting) but in the last few years that has changed. I jokingly blamed it on college courses and having to take notes so fast, that I got sloppy, but this is not the case. I have issues with starting certain letters and numbers...even a check mark somtimes causes issues. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Posted by: kathy on Wednesday, 05 October 2011
my son 12 years can write ,but he feel difficult to write and learn an essay .if he learn he takes long time to print on paper. he feels more dysgraphic difficulties in urdu .guide me for his imrovement.

Posted by: imran on Friday, 30 September 2011
A Developmental Pediatrician can diagnose dysgraphia. These pediatricians specialize in seeing children with learning disabilities, developmental delay, ADHD, autism, anxiety, etc. You should be able to find a developmental pediatrician in many major cities (especially New York area). Hope this helps, Patti!

Posted by: VM on Wednesday, 28 September 2011
The special education staff at your friend's child's school, or a professional they work with, should be able to evaluate the child for dysgraphia. If you feel that the school is not serving him well and giving him the services he deserves, a good place to start is by reading our Parent's Guide to IDEA, which you can find here: http://www.ncld.org/at-school/your-childs-rights/parents-guide-to-idea. It outlines the rights children with LD have in school and offers suggestions for what parents can do if those rights aren't being served. Good luck.

Posted by: Kaleigh (NCLD Staff) on Monday, 26 September 2011
I cannot express in words the insurmountable courage I see and read about in these comments. I am writing now because I have a dear friend whose son has Dysgraphia and they live in New York Area and cannot find someone to give the diagnosis. And even worse he is 13 and is in a special school and the teachers say he isn't trying and won't give him any of the things that all of you write about above in your comments. I would appreciate it if anyone out there could write in and tell me, them, us--the people that care with our open hearts what to do. Who can give the Dysgraphia diagnosis. This wondrous young 13 year old held his pencil in that tight grip from way back when and needs a hero out there to give us a place to start! I know you are out there. I'm a children's book writer & illustrator who couldn't follow any book, printed page or teacher. So I feel very intensely about this boy. Thank you for listening. RSVP.

Posted by: patti on Thursday, 22 September 2011
Do the handwriting difficulties carry over to personal care, such as buttoning clothes, closing snaps and zipping jackets?

Posted by: Sharon Hughes on Tuesday, 06 September 2011
Thanks you so much for this article. I found it via google. My son is 7 and struggles to put thoughts onto paper. He thinks about it but then does not know what to actually write on paper. I used to have this too when I was a child right upto adult. He is also reluctant to copy out. His spelling and handwriting is excellent. He just says he does not know what to write and he does not like it. What techniques can I use to step him towards being able to write his stories and thoughts to paper? How can I make copying out more fun? How can I help him to enjoy writing? Can you suggest any good books to read on the subject aimed at kids?

Posted by: @Mum of two on Friday, 12 August 2011
hi i'm just wondering ive never been tested for this and all my life i have been told that i have terrible writing and i do have probs with spelling and grammer and i make a lot of run on sentences. i'mj just wondering if this could be it.

Posted by: victoria on Sunday, 07 August 2011
What is Dysgraphia?
@Taffy Get your daughter tested for dysgraphia! As a 16 y/o who was diagnosed mid-April, I can totally relate to the confusion of how your daughter is doing well but @ the cost of her time & energy. My mom always got on to me for taking such an insane amount of time to complete written assignments. I was always able to compensate by waking up at 5 in the morning as a 4th grader to complete my work and by quitting social and athletic activities as I got into jr high. High school became a living hell for me. My grades plummeted. Teachers, much to my humiliation, would call me out in class for not taking overhead notes quickly enough or not finishing in class assignments. The dean of academics told my mom that she "had dealt with KIDS LIKE ME before" & said that the problem was that I lacked self-discipline & was lazy.

Posted by: MK Keller on Saturday, 02 July 2011
What is Dysgraphia?
My daughter has issues not only writing her thoughts, but conveying her thoughts orally. She forgets simple language concepts she learned years before and misspells simple words even though she reads slightly above her grade level. She has horrible handwriting, and takes inordinate amounts of time to write neatly. Is this probably dysgraphia or something similar? I keep being told her problems are fine because she earns A's and B's in class. Who tests for this, and does anyone live in Indiana and know how to request testing in this state?

Posted by: Taffy on Thursday, 24 February 2011
Dysgraphia
@ Christine on Saturday, 09 October 2010 I use mathmatica and mathtype for my homework. Mathtype is a program add on for word. I also found that whiteboards helped reduce the stress of making mistakes on paper. I hope this helps! PS I have been using the whiteboard and mathtype since high school-mathmatica was my Calc 3 teachers suggestion, but it provides answers.

Posted by: Dani on Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Dysgraphia
I was diagnosed with Dysgraphia when I was 15. It was amazing how much my confidence went up just knowing there was a reason. When I got into college, I started using a speech recognition software to write my papers. I also got with my Office of Disability Services and worked with them to get my textbooks on tape/cd/mp3 and to get accommodations to take longer time on my tests. I am now a successful Engineer and am still using the speech recognition software when I need to. I am starting to see some of the symptoms in my 10yr old and I will be having him tested this school year. I don't want him struggling like I did.

Posted by: Jennifer on Friday, 12 November 2010
Dysgraphia
@ Nina - usually an IEP is part of the 504 program. The program will help the child but only if all participants do what they say they are going to do. (i.e. if the teachers agree to specific help or modifications, they need to stick to those without any excuses). My oldest son (20) has dysgraphia. He was diagnosed when he was 8. Now, I am concerned that my youngest (9) may have a similar problem and I know the district doesnt have the 504 program specifically (something similar) so I hope and pray that this is just a phase of laziness instead of a learning disability. @ KG - My oldest boy has a high IQ but he is still on about a 7th or 8th grade spelling level. His reading he has been on a college level since he was 9 or 10. This can get better but they have to want it to be better for that to happen. My son doesnt care anymore and you can tell. My biggest issue is with impatient people that think he is stupid and dont care that it affects his self-esteem.

Posted by: KRG on Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Dysgraphia
Is an IEP or 504 Plan better for a child with diagnosed Dysgraphia?

Posted by: Nina on Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Dysgraphia
Is there any technology to help for math. My son types very well, but has no way of doing math on the computer. When he writes numbers, he doesn't recognize what he wrote. I'm looking for some technology that provides character recognition. If it existed for Palm Pilot hand held phones- there must be something else out there. Please help.

Posted by: Christine on Saturday, 09 October 2010
Dysgraphia
My son is 13, he has dysgraphia, he has not been diagnosed, It is obvious he is!(the school wants him diagnosed by a Doctor? I suppose for records and so they can work with him) He Is very smart! Very quick with is mind, has a since of humor a mile long(spontaneously quick witted). He is very good at video games,good hand an I cordination!(his motor skill are good) He make 100s on TAKs test! 100s on surprise test his teachers give him! He has a photographic memory! He hate writing! He can't even read it him self when he get don with a paper! He gets so angry with him self because he knows he has tons of knowledge but cant get it on paper! He can tell you anything you want to know but putting it on paper, it is very very hard! A teacher did tell us they had a student us a laptop in his classes we are hoping we can do the same!

Posted by: Wendy on Saturday, 11 September 2010
Dysgraphia
I am a 50 yr old woman and I have always had problems since childhood. I was always accused of daydreaming, not completing work, on purpose. I was punished when I didn't complete work, failed tests etc. No one ever tried to find the root of the problem. I've always had difficulty in Math, English and Writing. No one ever questioned what was wrong, but only accused me of goofing off and daydreaming. Now as an adult, I'm trying to go college, but I'm still having learning problems. I could read a paragraph over and over again, but nothing sinks in. I've always had terrible handwriting all my life. My teachers and classmates always made fun of me. I was so shy and withdrawn most of my childhood. I get overwhelmed very easily and if it seems to complicated, I just give up. I'm tired of feeling that I'm dumber than a first grader. Because that is how I feel.

Posted by: paula on Monday, 06 September 2010
Dysgraphia
Not sure if this is what my daughter(12) has or not. She can read anything and likes drawing. She follows directions well, does well in all subjects as long as she does not have to write a sentence on her own. If she can't find the exact answer in the book, then she is unable to determine what the answer is. She is unable to write because she is so scared of not doing things correctly. She also has trouble with spelling even commonly used words.

Posted by: Christie Merrifield on Monday, 06 September 2010
Dysgraphia
This summer I had 3 excellent stuents-ages 3, 10, and 13 and all had been diagnosed with dysgraphia. I feel very fortunate I can teach Kid's College Computer Keyboarding and each student became a faster typist & was able to type and organize their thoughts on the computer--therefore, each student became happy & felt a sense of accomplishment in writing their stories! I am proud of all my students & this is a success story!

Posted by: BNR on Friday, 27 August 2010
Dysgraphia
Who tests for dysgraphia? Our daughter is 9 and in 3rd grade. Strictly pull out for all subjects. Memory is an issue for her as well as processing. Her fine motor skill are great as well as her gross motor. She has great difficulty in writing and drawing. She can write correctly but it is exhausting for her and very time consuming.

Posted by: MSC on Thursday, 05 August 2010
Dysgraphia
My son probably has dysgraphia. He's 13 and uses an Alpha Smart at school. His problem is more profound than actually getting his ideas onto paper. When he writes, even if it's typing, his sentences come out very stilted. If questioned about the topic he will have much more interesting and complex things to say and his sentence structure is much more appropriate to his abilities. He can dictate his papers to me, but if he types them himself it's only slightly better than if he writes them on paper. His handwriting is utterly illegible. He could not read until he was nearly 9 because the concept of written symbol was just not comprehendable to him. By 9.5 he had a 6th grade reading level. Nowadays the bigger issue isn't his reading it's writing papers.

Posted by: KG on Friday, 25 June 2010

We invite your comments on this article, but we are unable to answer personal questions. If you have a question, you may find these LD.org resources helpful: Resource Locator; LD Basics section; Frequently Asked Questions.