Dysgraphia - is it different to dyslexia?

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing abilities. It can manifest as difficulties with the formation of letters and numbers, handwriting including writing on lines, regulating the size of letters and numbers, issues with spelling, and organising thoughts on paper.

Figure 1 - example of student's writing with diagnosed dysgraphia

Dysgraphia can be diagnosed with or without dyslexia and is not related to a student’s overall ability or intellect.

In the UK, dysgraphia is not commonly diagnosed separately, as difficulties with handwriting are usually considered part of a dyslexia or dyspraxia diagnosis. Nevertheless, there are individuals, both children and adults, who struggle with handwriting without experiencing reading or spelling difficulties. Additionally, some younger students, diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, may overcome reading challenges but continue to face issues with handwriting.

Signs of Dysgraphia

Handwriting Difficulties

• Illegible Writing:

Despite effort, handwriting may be messy or illegible. 

• Inconsistent Letter Sizes and Spacing:*

Letters may be unevenly spaced, with inconsistent sizing

• Poor Pencil Grip:

The grip on the pencil may be awkward or unusual, making writing uncomfortable.

• Slow Writing Speed:

Writing may be significantly slower than peers due to excessive concentration to remember the look of the letters, but also to be able to recreate the shape and size of the letter or number on the line.

Spelling Challenges

• Frequent Misspellings

 Difficulty spelling common words and making frequent spelling mistakes which makes writing more difficult. Letter sounds such as /e/ and /i/ are often confused as well as the /p/, /d/, /q/ and /b/ to further exacerbate the issue.

• Mixing Up Letters:

Commonly students with dysgraphia will reverse letters and numbers. As previously mentioned  /p/, /d/, /q/ and /b/ are most commonly noted, as well as 5 and 2, 6 and 9.

I have also seen students write the words right to left with all letters reversed.

• Spelling challenges also makes touch typing incredibly difficult as students’ spellings are so phonetically incorrect that AI predictive correction cannot decipher the word that was typed.

Organisational Issues

• Disorganised Writing

Written work may lack organisation, with sentences or ideas not logically connected.

• Difficulty with Syntax and Grammar:

Challenges in constructing sentences and using correct grammar. Students often struggle with where to edit their written and typed work to include capital letters and punctuation. 

Physical Strain

• Hand Fatigue

Complaints of hand pain or tiredness after short periods of writing.

• Visual Strain

Students often display signs of visual or eye strain with eyes streaming, itching and hurting because they are focusing so intently 

• Tension:

Physical signs of tension when writing, such as holding the paper too hard or pressing too hard with the pen.

Avoidance of Writing Activities

• Reluctance to Write

Avoidance of tasks that involve writing, such as homework or classroom assignments.

• Inconsistent Effort:

Effort and quality of writing may vary widely from one occasion to another.

Difficulty with Visual-Spatial Skills

• Trouble Aligning Numbers:

Problems aligning numbers in columns or understanding spatial organisation in writing.

• Difficulty Copying: 

Challenges copying text or figures accurately from a board or book.

Dysgraphia is a nuanced specific learning need that can be overlooked in favour of the more recognised dyslexia and under-diagnosed by professionals because of a lack of understanding. Dysgraphia, however, can be as difficult to accommodate as other specific learning needs. 

Having supported many dysgraphic students during my educational practice, I would recommend using speech-to-text technology from an early age. Whilst targeted handwriting practice can improve the legibility of the written text, assistive technology will be the key to achievement and independence.

Touch typing is another vital skill; using apps such as typingclub.com will help to build fluency to record work independently.

If you think that your child may dysgraphia, please contact me to discuss support packages.