dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a neurodevelopmental learning difficulty that primarily affects written expression. It can involve handwriting speed and legibility, spelling and grammar, and the ability to organize and articulate ideas in writing. It may occur alone or alongside other conditions such as dyslexia, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or autism spectrum disorder.

Common signs include hard-to-read handwriting, inconsistent letter formation, slow writing speed, poor spacing, and frequent errors in spelling or grammar. Individuals may struggle to translate thoughts into coherent written text, requiring frequent revisions and exhibiting difficulty with planning, organizing, and structuring written work. These challenges are not simply due to a lack of practice or motivation.

Causes are believed to reflect differences in motor planning and language-processing networks in the brain, sometimes with a genetic component. Dysgraphia can co-occur with other learning and developmental disorders, and its presentation may change across development.

Diagnosis typically involves a multidisciplinary evaluation that may include educational testing, neuropsychological assessment, and occupational therapy assessment. Clinicians look at handwriting samples, writing speed and accuracy, and cognitive and language skills to distinguish dysgraphia from other causes of writing difficulties.

Management emphasizes supports and accommodations. Occupational therapy can help improve fine motor skills and handwriting fluency, while schools may provide assistive technology (typing, speech-to-text), extended time, outlines or graphic organizers, and explicit instruction in spelling and written expression. With early identification and ongoing support, individuals with dysgraphia can improve writing skills and participate more effectively in academic and daily activities.