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.