The Basics
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What Is Dysgraphia?
Put simply, dysgraphia is a problem with writing.
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The word has origins in Ancient Greek, dys = bad or hard; grapho = to write.
Dysgraphia and Dyslexia - What's the difference?
Dysgraphia
Problem with Written Expression
Dyslexia
Problem with
Reading
Signs and symptoms of dysgraphia can include messy handwriting, inconsistency in letter spacing and capitalization, pain or discomfort when writing, fine motor skill challenges, trouble with spelling, or trouble with composing written work. Often kids or adults with dysgraphia are able to express themselves when speaking, but can't seem get their thoughts onto paper.
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This fantastic video (reproduced with permission) from Edutopia, the George Lucas Education Foundation, describes dysgraphia in school-aged students and strategies for handling it:
Who Has Dysgraphia?
Dysgraphia is present in 7-15% of school-aged children (1,2).
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Dysgraphia is more common in boys than in girls (1,2).
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A person may have dysgraphia alone or may have it with either another learning disability such as dyslexia and/or neurodevelopmental disorder such as ADHD.
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References:
(1) Dohla and Heim, Frontiers in Psychology, 2016.
(2) Katusic SK et al, Pediatrics, 2009.