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As was mentioned in the introduction to this section, there is currently a debate as to whether dysgraphia and written expression difficulties are separate learning differences or whether they both fall under the dysgraphia umbrella.
The experts that separate the two consider dysgraphia as a motor skills challenge and to do with the mechanincs (like spelling and handwriting) of writing. They separate all challenges encountered with expressing thoughts and ideas in writing and term it a written expression disorder.
The strategies provided throughout the Dysgraphia section of this website address both aspects of difficulties with writing.
Downloadable PDF - Indicators of Written Expression Disorder
Information adapted from Understood.org
Indicators of Written Expression Disorder
Early Years and Lower Primary
Has trouble labeling pictures with a few words
Often writes sentences that are hard to understand
Sometimes gets confused about the differences between stories, opinions, and informational writing
Has trouble writing one or two paragraphs about a personal experience
Upper Primary
Still only writes simple sentences, instead of using a variety of sentences to express ideas clearly
Drafts without any planning and does little revising
Has trouble with organization and content for different forms of writing, like narratives and opinions
KS3
Struggles to plan before writing and then use the plans
Focuses mostly on minor errors and corrections of wording when revising
Has a hard time writing more complex narratives about people’s experiences
Uses the same words over and over again
Struggles to write argumentative papers that back up claims or consider other options
High School
Tries to write longer, more complex sentences that end up being confusing
Comes up with a few ideas when asked to plan, but doesn’t make and follow an organized plan
Has trouble finding weaknesses in writing and revising the content and how it’s organized
When using sources in writing, has a hard time explaining the ideas from the sources and integrating ideas from multiple sources
Writes papers that are missing facts and detail
The poster below gives a brief overview of what written expression disorder is. Click the top right corner to download a PDF version.
Written_Expression_Disorder_FactSheet_Understood.pdfPage updated
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