Does your child have difficulty with writing? Does their handwriting look messy and illegible? If so, they may be suffering from dysgraphia. If you have no idea what that is or what to do about it – do not worry; we are here to help!
In this article, we will take a close look at dysgraphia. We will explore what it is, what causes it, and how it can be treated. By the end of this article, you will have a much better understanding of dysgraphia and be able to help your child overcome this learning disability.
Table of Contents
What is Dysgraphia
Causes
Symptoms
Tests and Diagnosis
Treatment
Activities parents can do with kids who have dysgraphia
FAQs
What is Dysgraphia?
Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing skills. It can impact both the ability to write legibly and fluently. Dysgraphia can make it very difficult for sufferers to communicate their thoughts and ideas on paper.
There are three different types of dysgraphia:
1. Motor
This type of dysgraphia makes it hard to control the muscles used for writing. This can make handwriting slow, sloppy, and illegible.
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Visual dysgraphia makes it hard to see the letters and words being written. This can result in reversed or jumbled letters.
3. Lexical
Lexical dysgraphia is also known as spelling dysgraphia. It makes it hard to remember how to spell words correctly.
Medical Context of This Learning Disorder
Dysgraphia is neurological in origin, which means that a problem causes it in the brain. It is not caused by laziness or a lack of intelligence. Many people with dysgraphia are above average in intelligence.
Dysgraphia can run in families, so the disorder may have a genetic component. It is also more common in boys than girls.
What Causes Dysgraphia?
There is no single cause of dysgraphia. It is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Some of the possible causes of dysgraphia include:
1. Brain damage
This can be caused by a head injury, stroke, or another condition that affects the brain.
2. ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common co-occurring condition in people with dysgraphia.
3. Anxiety
People with dysgraphia may also suffer from anxiety, which can make it hard to focus on writing.
4. Visual processing disorder
This condition makes it hard to interpret what is seen. It can make it hard to read and write.
Symptoms of Dysgraphia
The symptoms of dysgraphia can vary depending on the type of dysgraphia. However, there are some common signs that may be indicative of the disorder, including:
1. Poor handwriting
This is often the most noticeable symptom of dysgraphia. The writing may be illegible or highly messy.
2. Difficulty with spelling
People with dysgraphia may have trouble remembering how to spell words correctly. They may also make a lot of spelling errors.
3. Slow writing speed
It can take dysgraphic individuals a long time to write. They may also have trouble getting their thoughts down on paper promptly.
4. Trouble with fine motor skills
This can make it hard to hold a pencil correctly or form letters and words properly.
Tests and Diagnosis of Dysgraphia
If you think your child may have dysgraphia, it is essential to consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional. They will be able to administer tests and rule out other conditions causing the symptoms.
Several different types of tests can be used to diagnose dysgraphia, including:
1. Writing sample
The healthcare professional will ask the child to write a short paragraph. They will then assess the writing for legibility, grammar, and spelling errors.
2. Motor skills
The child may be asked to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, such as drawing or tracing shapes.
IQ test
An IQ test can help rule out other learning disabilities, such as ADHD or dyslexia.
Treatment for Dysgraphia
There is no cure for dysgraphia. However, there are some things that can be done to help manage the symptoms and make it easier to cope with the disorder.
Some of the treatment options for dysgraphia include:
1. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a treatment option that can be helpful for people with dysgraphia. OT can help improve handwriting, spelling, and fine motor skills. It can also help to improve focus and anxiety levels.
2. Speech Therapy
Speech therapy may also be recommended for people with dysgraphia. Speech therapy can help with the clarity of speech and with fluency issues.
3. Tutoring
Tutoring can be a great way to help children with dysgraphia catch up to their peers. A tutor can provide one-on-one instruction that is specifically tailored to the needs of the child.
4. Assistive Technology
There are a number of assistive technology devices that can be used to help people with dysgraphia. Some of these devices include:
- Word processors – Word processors can be a great way to help with spelling and writing fluency issues.
- Speech-to-text software – This type of software can be used to dictate writing assignments.
- Graphic organizers – Graphic organizers can be used to help with the planning and organization of thoughts and ideas.
- Dysgraphia Apps – There are a number of apps that can be used to help with dysgraphia. These apps can help with handwriting, spelling, and organization.
- Online Games – Online games can be a fun way to help with dysgraphia. Some games can help with fine motor skills, while others can help with visual processing and spatial awareness. SplashLearn offers a variety of fun games that can be played online.
Parental Involvement
Parental involvement is crucial for children with dysgraphia. Parents can help by providing support and encouragement. They can also help advocate for their child and ensure that they are getting the resources and services they need.
Activities Parents Can Do With Children Who Have Dysgraphia
Parents can do several activities with children who have dysgraphia. These activities can help to improve handwriting skills, fine motor skills, and visual processing.
Some of the activities that parents can do with their children include:
1. Handwriting Practice
One of the best ways to help a child with dysgraphia is to provide them with plenty of opportunities to practice their handwriting. This can be done through simple activities such as tracing letters and numbers.
2. Building Fine Motor Skills
Children with dysgraphia often have difficulty with fine motor skills. Many activities can help improve these skills, such as puzzles, stringing beads, and using tweezers.
3. Visual Processing Activities
Because dysgraphia can impact visual processing, it is essential to provide children with activities that will help them to understand better what they see. Some examples of visual processing activities include looking for objects in a picture, finding hidden shapes, and following directions.
4. Spatial Awareness Activities
Spatial awareness is another area that can be affected by dysgraphia. There are a number of activities that can help children to improve their spatial awareness, such as jigsaw puzzles, mazes, and blocks.
5. Memory Games
Memory games can be a great way to help children with dysgraphia to improve their memory skills. Some examples of memory games include Simon Says, Memory, and Concentration.
6. Reading Activities
Reading is another important activity for children with dysgraphia. Parents can help their children to improve their reading skills by reading aloud with them, having them read aloud to you, and providing them with books that are at their level.
With the help of these activities, parents can give their children the tools they need to succeed. With practice and perseverance, children with dysgraphia can overcome their challenges and reach their full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does dysgraphia occur alone or with other specific learning disabilities?
Dysgraphia can occur alone or with other specific learning disabilities. It is estimated that approximately 30-50% of children with dysgraphia also have ADHD.
Do children with dysgraphia have difficulty with spelling?
Some children with dysgraphia do have difficulty with spelling. However, others may be able to spell words correctly but have problems writing them legibly.
What is the best way to help a child with dysgraphia?
The best way to help a child with dysgraphia is to provide them with plenty of opportunities to practice their handwriting. Additionally, parents can help by providing support and encouragement.
