by Kelly Morris

Created on: October 04, 2008

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects a person's writing abilities. People with dysgraphia may have problems with handwriting, with spelling, and with the organization of ideas when writing.

Specifically, they may have illegible handwriting, despite the amount of time and attention given to the task. There may be inconsistencies in their handwriting, such as mixtures of print and cursive, upper and lower case, or irregular sizes, shapes, and slant of letters. The spacing between words and letters is often inconsistent, as well. Writing is slow and labored.

There may be unfinished words or letters. Words may be omitted. Or, the wrong word may be used. For instance, a person might write the word "child" when they mean to write "boy."

People with dysgraphia have difficulty thinking and writing at the same time. For instance, taking notes in class is difficult. Creative writing is also a challenge. While people with dysgraphia may be very creative and may have creative ideas, they are unable to write them down.

People with dysgraphia often exhibit a cramped or unusual grip on writing instruments. They may complain of a sore hand. They show a strange wrist and body posture and unusual paper positioning.

Children are usually diagnosed with dysgraphia shortly after they are introduced to writing.
Sometimes adults are diagnosed with dysgraphia following some sort of trauma, such as a stroke.

There are many things a person with dysgraphia can do to compensate for their disability.
Writing with a word processor is a great help. It eliminates the problem of illegible handwriting and greatly improves the speed of writing. It also introduces spell check.

When writing something by hand is required, writing on graph paper helps to keep letters the same size and evenly spaced.

For students, oral rather than written exams can be given. Students can also be allowed to give oral or audio-taped reports instead of written reports. They can be permitted to tape record lectures instead of taking notes.

It is important to understand that learning disabilities are neurological problems. They have nothing to do with one's intelligence.
Learning disabilities are not the same thing as mental retardation. Many people with learning disabilities have above average IQ's.

Some people with dysgraphia have other learning disabilities as well. They may have dyslexia, which is a reading disability, or dyscalculia, which is a math disability. They may also have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

For more information, you can contact:

Learning Disabilities Association of America

4156 Library Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1349

(412) 341-1515

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