DISORDER OF WRITTEN EXPRESSION

Disorder of Written Expression or Dysgraphia is a childhood learning disorder that involves poor writing skills.  A child can have dysgraphia along with ADHD, Developmental Coordination Disorder (Weak fine-motor skills and visual-motor integration and planning), Expressive Language Disorder,  Dyslexia, and/or an autism spectrum disorder.  Aside from the physical act of writing, the writing process includes the ability to plan, organize, revise, express oneself using words, sentences, correct punctuation, and communication skills. A thorough evaluation will therefore not only identify Dysgraphia, but any underlying or comorbid disorders. In this way, the most appropriate and holistic intervention can be determined.

Symptoms include:

  • Errors in grammar and punctuation
  • Poor handwriting and writing slowly
  • Mixing up letters
  • Poor spelling
  • Poorly organized writing
  • Leaving out words or letters in sentences on paper
  • Difficulties getting thoughts onto paper
  • Has to say words aloud when writing