Dysgraphia

“Dys” means difficulty with and “graphia” means writing – thus “difficulty with writing”. The term dysgraphia refers to more than simply having poor handwriting. This term refers to those who struggle with the motor skills necessary to write thoughts on paper, spelling, and the thinking skills needed for vocabulary retrieval, clarity of thought, grammar, and memory.

• Dysgraphia can be described as trouble writing.

• Skills affected are handwriting, typing, and spelling which produce writing.

• Poor letter formation

• Writing sentences that are grammatically correct

• Poor spacing better letters and words

• Trouble writing on a line

• Poor pencil grasp and/or control

• Trouble reading your own handwriting

• Trouble writing words without skipping letters

• Mix of printing and cursive writing

• Slow letter formation and increased time and effort to write neatly

If your student is experiencing any of the signs of dysgraphia, consult with the school Occupational Therapist or special education teacher.

• exercises to build muscle strength and dexterity

• multisensory practice on letter formation

• fine motor activities at a center

• raised or highlighted lines to support writing more evenly

• vary writing tools to find the right one that is comfortable for the student

• allow student to print or write in cursive

• use weights on student writing tools to provide feedback and build strength

• use pencil grips to encourage correct pencil grasp

• use a slanted desk or open binder to change wrist angle