Dyslexia Support South: Where hope meets learning
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Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a learning difficulty that affects a person’s ability to write. Writing involves coordinating motor skills and processing information, and for individuals with dysgraphia, this process can be especially challenging.

Dysgraphia can lead to difficulties with:

  • Spelling.
  • Handwriting (poor or illegible).
  • Organising thoughts and putting them on paper.
  • Arranging letters, numbers, and words neatly on a line or page.

It is common for dysgraphia to co-exist with other learning differences, such as dyslexia.


Signs of Dysgraphia

Signs of dysgraphia vary but may include:

  • Uncertainty about right or left-handedness.
  • Poor or slow handwriting.
  • Messy and disorganised papers.
  • Difficulty copying text.
  • Trouble forming letter shapes or keeping track of written thoughts.
  • Cramping fingers when writing short entries.
  • Frequent use of erasers and reliance on visual aids for writing.
  • Mixing uppercase and lowercase letters.
  • Difficulty writing clear sentences or using correct words.
  • Misusing lines and margins on paper.

How to Help a Child with Dysgraphia

Supporting a child with dysgraphia involves a combination of accommodations, modifications, and remediation to help them succeed.

Accommodations: Alternatives to Written Expression
  • Use assistive technology, such as word processors, speech recognition software, or tablet/iPad tools.
  • Allow extra time for copying tasks or provide notes to reduce the copying workload.
  • Offer breaks before proofreading written work.
  • Provide checklists for editing, focusing on spelling, neatness, grammar, and progression of ideas.
  • Use graphic organisers, like mind mapping software, to organise thoughts.
  • Provide sentence starters to guide writing.

Modifications: Adjusting Expectations or Tasks
  • Eliminate the requirement for neat handwriting.
  • Offer alternative projects to written reports, such as oral presentations or PowerPoint slides.
  • Allow extra time for tests involving writing or permit the student to dictate answers.

Remediation: Improving Writing Skills
  • Use tools like pencil grips to support proper hand positioning.
  • Work with an Occupational Therapist to improve motor skills.
  • Try handwriting improvement programs like Wet-Dry-Try | Learning Without Tears
  • Develop their writing skills in a stress-free environment: Practice letter formation without writing, such as finger tracing in the air or using shaving cream.


In this section

  • Understanding Learning Differences
    • Dyslexia
    • Dyscalculia
    • Dyspraxia
    • Dysgraphia
    • Visual stress
    • Auditory Processing Disorder
    • Processing Speed
      • Slow Processing Speed and Daily Life
      • Slow Processing Speed and Social Interactions
  • Interventions available in Southland
  • Assessment options in Southland and Otago
    • Dyslexia
    • Irlen Syndrome
  • School information
    • Assistive Technology
    • Structured Literacy Information
      • What is Structured Literacy?
      • Decodable Books
    • Choosing and transitioning to a new school
    • Special Assessment Conditions
      • Special Assessment Conditions for NCEA
      • Assessment tools in Primary Schools
    • Funding and scholarships
    • Who do I speak to at school?
    • Talking with your child’s school
    • Study tips
    • Home learning tips
  • Emotional impact
    • How parents can support their dyslexic child.
    • Anxiety
    • Low self esteem
    • Growth Mindset
    • Support agencies
    • Should I label my child dyslexic?
    • How can I help my child?
    • Strengths of Dyslexia
    • Increasing dyslexia awareness
    • Wellbeing support programmes
  • Resources
    • Books to read
      • Books for pre-teens and teens.
      • Books for parents
      • Books for children
      • Graphic Novels
    • Book Review. Congratulations - You have Dyslexia! Great Minds Think Differently.
    • The Value of Games
    • Tips for around the home
    • Ministry of Education dyslexia resource
    • Mind mapping
    • Working with dyslexic strengths
    • Be a ‘Strengths Detective’ - Learn how you can shine a light on your child’s dyslexic strengths to build self-awareness and resilience.
    • Executive Functioning
    • Dyslexia Friendly Invercargill City Library
    • Book review - Children Of The Rush Series - By James Russell.
  • Support in the Otago Region
  • Personal stories
    • Speech on Dyslexia by Milo Henry
    • A Mum’s Perspective
    • Diet and Nutrition for Learning & Behaviour - Our Experience
    • Why Advocating Makes a Difference.

Dyslexia Support South and Growing Stars are programmes run by Learning Differences Aotearoa Trust.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is designed to assist parents, caregivers and educators by providing helpful information on the topics represented. It does not replace information provided by a qualified professional. Parents, caregivers and educators are encouraged to do their own research on programmes mentioned. Dyslexia Support South does not endorse or support any particular product or business.

© Dyslexia Support South 2025

Website by RS

  • Home
  • Parent Toolkit
    • Understanding Learning Differences
      • Dyslexia
      • Dyscalculia
      • Dyspraxia
      • Dysgraphia
      • Visual stress
      • Auditory Processing Disorder
      • Processing Speed
        • Slow Processing Speed and Daily Life
        • Slow Processing Speed and Social Interactions
    • Interventions available in Southland
    • Assessment options in Southland and Otago
      • Dyslexia
      • Irlen Syndrome
    • School information
      • Assistive Technology
      • Structured Literacy Information
        • What is Structured Literacy?
        • Decodable Books
      • Choosing and transitioning to a new school
      • Special Assessment Conditions
        • Special Assessment Conditions for NCEA
        • Assessment tools in Primary Schools
      • Funding and scholarships
      • Who do I speak to at school?
      • Talking with your child’s school
      • Study tips
      • Home learning tips
    • Emotional impact
      • How parents can support their dyslexic child.
      • Anxiety
      • Low self esteem
      • Growth Mindset
      • Support agencies
      • Should I label my child dyslexic?
      • How can I help my child?
      • Strengths of Dyslexia
      • Increasing dyslexia awareness
      • Wellbeing support programmes
    • Resources
      • Books to read
        • Books for pre-teens and teens.
        • Books for parents
        • Books for children
        • Graphic Novels
      • Book Review. Congratulations - You have Dyslexia! Great Minds Think Differently.
      • The Value of Games
      • Tips for around the home
      • Ministry of Education dyslexia resource
      • Mind mapping
      • Working with dyslexic strengths
      • Be a ‘Strengths Detective’ - Learn how you can shine a light on your child’s dyslexic strengths to build self-awareness and resilience.
      • Executive Functioning
      • Dyslexia Friendly Invercargill City Library
      • Book review - Children Of The Rush Series - By James Russell.
    • Support in the Otago Region
    • Personal stories
      • Speech on Dyslexia by Milo Henry
      • A Mum’s Perspective
      • Diet and Nutrition for Learning & Behaviour - Our Experience
      • Why Advocating Makes a Difference.
  • School Toolkit
    • Catering for different types of learners
    • Creating a dyslexia-friendly classroom
      • Tips for the classroom
      • Dyslexia-friendly text and documents
      • Dyslexia-friendly teaching methods
        • 4D for schools
        • Universal Design for Learning
    • Specific learning difficulties and processing disorders
      • Dyslexia
      • Dyscalculia
      • Dysgraphia
      • Dyspraxia
      • Irlen Syndrome
      • Auditory Processing Disorder
        • Classroom accommodations for Auditory Processing Disorder
      • Slower processing abilities
    • Supporting SENCOs
    • Parent information evenings for your school community
    • Accommodations in the classroom
    • Decodable books
    • Information for teachers: Neil MacKay
    • Supporting home learning
    • Executive functioning in the classroom
    • NZQA National Qualifications for Specific Learning Differences
    • Dyslexia Friendly Guidelines for Effective Communication and Advertising.
    • Understanding Dyslexia - A Guide for Educators. Free Australian Resource
  • Adult Toolkit
    • Dyslexia Download Online Forum
      • Dyslexia Download 2025 Meetings dates
      • Notes from Dyslexia Download meetings
      • Sally Chesterfield - Dyslexia Download Facilitator
    • Resources
  • Teen Toolkit
    • Downloadable tip sheets
    • Parents supporting teens
  • Growing Stars
    • What Growing Stars covers
    • Our Facilitators
    • Growing Stars Community Workshops
    • Growing Stars in Schools
    • Growing Stars resources for sale
    • Community support
    • Support available from other agencies
  • Services
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