LD: Dysgraphia

The learning disability I want to discuss in this post is dysgraphia. It is a learning disability that I hadn’t heard before I started looking into LDs. It is not something I am very familiar with, and I’m sure I’m not alone. For that reason, I think it’s time to address dysgraphia.

Let’s dive into it.

What Is Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects someone’s writing abilities and fine motor skills. This LD impacts all aspects of the writing process, such as spelling, handwriting, and expressing their thoughts in writing.

Much like ADHD and dyslexia, dysgraphia affects people different and is not a one size fits all. Dysgraphia affects both kids and adults alike. 

Here are some examples of what those with dysgraphia struggle with.

• Difficulty forming letters shape
• Difficulty writing grammatically correct sentences
• Struggles with writing in a straight line
• Struggles with expressing and articulating thoughts on paper
• Difficulty being to read their handwriting.
• May hold pen/pencil in a tight, strange or awkward way

These are just some of the ways that dysgraphia presents itself in kids and adults.

Dysgraphia may change overtime, as a child becomes an adult. A child may struggles with the mechanics of writing, while teens and adults may struggle more with grammar, syntax, and putting their thoughts on paper, for instance.

Myths & Misconceptions

Much like several other things, there are some misconceptions about dysgraphia. Here are some of them.

Myth #1: Messy handwriting is a clear sign of dysgraphia.

Yes, some with dysgraphia have poor handwriting. However not all do. In some cases, their handwriting is neat, clear and easy to read.

Myth #2: Dyslexia and dysgraphia are the same thing.

Although there are some similarities between the two, dyslexia and dysgraphia are two different conditions. Dyslexia affects the person’s ability to read, while dysgraphia doesn’t.

Myth #3: Those with dysgraphia aren’t smart.

The fact is dysgraphia has nothing to do with intelligence. The fact is those with dysgraphia tend to be just as smart as their peers. They simply struggle with writing.

Myth #4: Dysgraphia is not related to other conditions.

Although it is possible for some to only have dysgraphia, sometimes those with dysgraphia also have ADHD, dyslexia, and/other learning disabilities.

These are just some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding dysgraphia.

Managing Dysgraphia

Much like ADHD and dyslexia, there is no cure for dysgraphia and tends to be a lifelong condition. However there are things that can help manage dysgraphia.

One thing that can be beneficial is making sure accommodations are made, whether at school or work. For kids in school, accommodations can be allowing more time to complete a test or reducing the length of a writing assignment, for instance. For those at work, it could be asking a coworker or supervisor to proofread written materials, using text-to-speech software, or using writing aids.

Some forms are therapy can be beneficial, such occupational and educational therapies. Occupational therapy can help with the physical act of writing by improving hand strength and fine motor skills. Educational therapy can help with other aspects of writing and find strategies to work around what those with dysgraphia struggle with the most.

There are quite a few things that can help. At the end of the day, some strategies may not be helpful for everyone. It’s all about finding what helps the individual person.