Dysgraphia
What Is Dysgraphia?
Dysgraphia is often diagnosed in childhood, when a teacher, parent, or other caregiver notices that the kid has persistent difficulties writing clearly.
Dysgraphia can cause the following symptoms:
Incorrect capitalization and spelling
Incorrect use of cursive and print letters
Issues with appropriately spacing and scaling letters
Having trouble accurately copying words
Writing slowly and clearly with difficulty
Having difficulty seeing words before writing them.
Maintaining an awkward and uncomfortable-looking writing stance while holding the writing tool very firmly, leading in cramps
Keeping a watchful eye on one's hand when writing
While writing, say the words aloud.
When creating sentences, omitting necessary letters and words
Writing in such a way that the words or phrases on the page have an unusual "slant"
Difficulty with creative writing; finding it tough to think and write simultaneously
This disorder is frequently found in children who simultaneously have other difficulties, such as ADHD, speech impediment, and learning disabilities like dyslexia. Furthermore, since children with dysgraphia frequently struggle in school, they might experience significant feelings of frustration, which can lead to acting out and behavioral disorders, contributing to an overall bad attitude toward learning.
Dysgraphia is often not identified until the kid has been in school for a number of years and is regularly behind their peers in their writing abilities. This is because dysgraphia is not connected to overall intellectual aptitude and is primarily associated with writing. While it is often diagnosed in childhood, it can persist throughout adulthood, particularly if the individual in question does not receive the necessary care and support.
Dysgraphia: What Causes It?
Dysgraphia can occur in children for a variety of causes, including brain injury, delays in motor skill development, inadequate muscle tone, and other problems. Many people can write clearly for a short time before their handwriting deteriorates and their hands become obviously weary.
Unfortunately, children with dysgraphia are frequently mislabeled as sluggish or uninspired, and some are penalized for a condition over which they have no control. Many people develop coping methods on their own, such as having a high level of verbal fluency, which can disguise the illness to some extent.
We utilize a variety of standardized techniques to diagnose dysgraphia at the Manor Clinic. These instruments are used by our expert psychologists to analyze patients (typically youngsters, although teens and adults can also be tested) and offer a clear diagnosis that can be utilized to assist them obtain the care they need.
Allowing the student in question to access a computer during examinations rather than having to respond by hand, motivating them to use cursive writing instead of printing (since they may struggle with letter spacing), utilizing special graph paper or paper with raised lines, engaging in exercises aimed to enhance muscular strength and flexibility, and therapies specifically geared to address memory and/or neurologic difficulties are all common supports.
Understanding that their difficulties with writing are not their fault is therapeutic in and of itself for many youngsters. Once recognized and supported, the great majority of persons with dysgraphia may learn ways to minimize the condition's impact on their lives.