What is Dysgraphia?
At Bluebird Psychology, we often get parents who are curious about their child’s writing skills. While sometimes these writing difficulties might be a result of something called dyslexia (maybe the most commonly known type of learning disorder!), there’s a lesser-known type of learning disorder that can really affect someone’s academic experience: dysgraphia. If you’ve ever wondered what dysgraphia is, how to spot it, or how to help, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in!
So, What Is Dysgraphia?
Think of dysgraphia as a bit of a mix-up in the brain’s handwriting and writing process. It’s a learning difference that makes writing challenging for some. Imagine trying to draw a perfect circle when your hand just can’t quite keep up—that’s kind of what’s happening internally! It’s not due to laziness or lack of intelligence; it’s just how some brains are wired.
Signs That Someone Might Have Dysgraphia
You might notice these clues if someone struggles with writing or tends to avoid it:
Messy handwriting that’s hard to read
Taking a lot of time to write even simple sentences
Frequent spelling errors or inconsistent letter sizes
Complaints of hand or wrist soreness after writing
Difficulty organizing thoughts on paper
Avoiding activities that require writing, like taking notes or doing homework
How to Identify Dysgraphia:
If you suspect someone might have dysgraphia, a psychoeducational assessment can be a fantastic way to get the full picture. Think of it as a deep dive into the brain’s learning style! During this assessment, a Registered Psychologist will check things like handwriting and fine motor ability, spelling accuracy, and how someone organizes their writing ideas. They might ask the person to copy a paragraph, write from dictation, or do other writing tasks while carefully observing how they do it. The results can reveal specific patterns—like persistent letter formation struggles or messy handwriting—that point to dysgraphia. Plus, these assessments can also detect any underlying processing or motor skills issues, providing a clear roadmap for support and accommodations.
How to Help Someone With Dysgraphia:
Great question! Support goes a long way. Here are some tips for dysgraphia support:
Use assistive tools: Speech-to-text apps or electronic keyboards can make getting ideas down easier.
Break tasks into steps: Smaller, manageable chunks help prevent feeling overwhelmed.
Provide extra time: Patience is key! Rushing can make things worse.
Encourage alternative ways to express ideas: Drawing, speaking, or using graphs can be just as powerful as writing.
Work with teachers or specialists: They can offer tailored strategies and accommodations.
Dysgraphia is just one of many ways our brains can be unique. With understanding, patience, and the right tools, anyone can conquer writing challenges and build confidence. Remember, everyone has their strengths—sometimes they just need a little help showing them off!
Do you have more questions about dysgraphia? Feel free to reach out to us at Bluebird Psychology. You can also schedule a free 15-minute consultation call with one of our psychologists or read more about psychoeducational assessments.