Dysgraphia

WHAT IS DYSGRAPHIA?

The word 'Dysgraphia' comes from the Greek words 'dys' meaning ill or difficult and 'graphein' meaning to write. It is most often used to describe having a severe problem with handwriting and is a neurological disorder. Dysgraphia is also described as a difficulty in automatically remembering and mastering the sequence of muscle motor movements needed in writing letters or numbers.

Dysgraphia encompasses a difficulty with fine motor coordination, organisation and presentation of written material. There may also be an accompanying spelling difficulty. Dysgraphia is often linked to Dyspraxia and Dyslexia - and children are sometimes described as the 'typical Dyslexic' who somehow reads well.

Dysgraphia can cause a person's writing to be distorted or incorrect. They may also have sequencing problems. In their writing, letters and numbers may be backwards and out of order.

A person that has Dysgraphia may also have a difficulty in expressing their thoughts in writing or graphing. In some cases, they may experience problems of understanding information that they see visually. A person with Dysgraphia may also not understand the spellings of words and have trouble with punctuation. Their trouble with punctuation may mean that they cannot fully understand expressions made with language.

Since Dysgraphia is a processing disorder, difficulties can change throughout a lifetime. As Dysgraphia is neurologically based it usually presents itself in varying degrees, ranging from mild to moderate. Children with Dysgraphia may also have other learning disabilities. However, the difficulties caused by Dysgraphia are sometimes out of harmony with the child's intelligence. Whilst Dysgraphia can occasionally exist alone, it is most commonly related to learning problems involved within the sphere of written language.

In children, Dysgraphia usually reveals itself when they first start to write. They may make inappropriately sized and spaced letters, or write wrong or misspelled words, despite thorough instruction. Difficulty in writing is often a major problem for pupils, especially as they progress from primary into secondary school.

Dysgraphia is a learning difficulty. If diagnosed properly, Dysgraphia can often be overcome if appropriate remedial strategies are taught well and conscientiously carried out. A programme usually needs to be carried out on a daily basis and appropriate compensations should also be used as and when needed.

Generally strategies fall into three categories:

• Accommodations: providing alternatives to written expression
• Modifications: changing expectations or tasks to minimise 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. Support for Dysgraphia vary and include treatment for motor disorders to help control writing movements. Other treatments may address impaired memory or other neurological problems. Some therapists recommend that children with Dysgraphia use computers to compensate for their problems with handwriting. The most beneficial type of support though is usually a process of trying different ideas and seeing what works best.

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