What is Dysgraphia?
A language-based disorder
“A neurodevelopmental disorder manifested by illegible and/or inefficient handwriting due to difficulty with letter formation. This difficulty is the result of deficits in graphomotor function (hand movements used for writing) and/or storing and retrieving orthographic codes (letter forms)” - (Berninger, 2015)
Students with dysgraphia my show problems in spelling and written expression
Is not due to lack of instruction and is not associated with other developmental or neurological conditions that involve motor impairment.
(Source: Texas Dyslexia Handbook, 2018)
Characteristics of Dysgraphia
Variably shaped and poorly formed letters
Excessive erasures and cross-outs
Poor spacing between letters and words
Letter and number reversals beyond early stages of writing
Awkward, inconsistent pencil grip
Heavy pressure and hand fatigue
Slow writing and copying with legible or illegible handwriting (Andrews & Lombardino, 2014)
Difficulty with unedited spelling
Low volume of written output as well as problems with other aspects of written expression
(Source: Texas Dyslexia Handbook, 2018)
Watch the video below from the National Center for Learning Disabilities for more information about dysgraphia!