About Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia is a neurological learning disability characterized by trouble with writing or handwriting, despite normal or above-average intelligence.
The Educator's Diagnostic Manual lists some of the diagnostic symptoms of dysgraphia as:
- Generally illegible writing (despite appropriate time and attention given the task)
- Inconsistencies: mixtures of print and cursive, upper- and lowercase, or irregular sizes, shapes, or slant of letters
- Unfinished words or letters, omitted words
- Inconsistent position on the page with respect to lines and margins
- Inconsistent spaces between words and letters
- Cramped or unusual grip, especially holding the writing instrument very close to the paper or holding the thumb over two fingers and writing from the wrist
- Unusual wrist, body, or paper position
- Talking to self while writing or carefully watching the hand that is writing
- Slow or labored copying or writing, even if the writing is neat and legible
- Content that does not reflect the student’s other language skills
- Combination of fine motor difficulty, inability to revisualize letters, and inability to remember the motor patterns
Handwriting difficulties can be remediated with a multisensory handwriting program such as Handwriting Without Tears®, while difficulties with spelling can be addressed with Orton-Gillingham instruction. Difficulties with the writing process can be addressed with our specially-designed individualized instruction.