Dysgraphia is a learning disorder that can profoundly impact a child's ability to write, draw, and express themselves through written language. Children with dysgraphia often exhibit inconsistencies in letter size and spacing, struggle with word spacing, and may experience discomfort or fatigue when writing. It can affect a child's fine motor skills and writing abilities.
The cause of dysgraphia is not fully understood but researchers believe that a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors may contribute. Some children with dysgraphia may have difficulty processing sensory motor information related to fine motor skills (forming letters and numbers, legibility of handwriting, difficulty holding pencil), while others struggle with the cognitive aspects of writing, such as organizing thoughts and translating them onto paper, sentence structure and grammar.
Recognizing the symptoms of dysgraphia in children is crucial for early intervention. Some early signs are illegible handwriting, difficulty forming letters, inconsistent spacing, and an aversion to writing tasks. Children with dysgraphia might also exhibit frustration, avoidance of activities that require writing, and lower self-esteem about academic performance due to their struggles. Additional challenges may include:
Spelling
Fine motor coordination
Rate or speed of writing
Grammar
Composition
Difficulties writing in a straight line
Difficulties with holding and controlling a pen/pencil
Having trouble recalling how letters are formed
Having trouble knowing when to use lower or upper case letters
Struggling to form written sentences with correct grammar and punctuation
Omitting words from sentences
If your child has been exposed to handwriting on a daily basis for 6 months and there has not been noticeable and consistent improvement, an occupational therapy assessment may be warranted.
As an occupational therapist, my role begins with understanding your child's unique individual interplay of neurological, sensory, and cognitive factors that contribute to dysgraphia. Each child with dysgraphia has a unique story to tell, shaped by their strengths, interests, struggles, and aspirations. Conducting a thorough assessment is the foundation of the work of an occupational therapist and this comprehensive perspective guides the creation of personalized interventions to benefit your child's development.
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