Dysgraphia Definition and Writing Skills for Kids
Does your child struggle with writing skills?
Dysgraphia is similar to dyslexia. It affects a child’s handwriting and essay or paragraph writing abilities.
Dysgraphia is a learning disability. It causes an otherwise smart child to have problems expressing himself well in writing. Your child may struggle with handwriting, paragraph writing, or other writing skills.
The National Institute for Neurological Disorders says dysgraphia is:
“Dysgraphia is a neurological disorder characterized by writing disabilities. The disorder causes a person’s writing to be distorted or incorrect. In children, the disorder generally emerges when they are first introduced to writing. They make poorly sized and spaced letters. They may write wrong or misspelled words, despite thorough instruction. Children with the disorder may have other learning disabilities, however, they usually have no social or other academic problems. In addition to poor handwriting, dysgraphia is characterized by wrong or odd spelling, and production of words that are not correct (i.e., using “boy” for “child”). The cause of the disorder is unknown.”
Dyslexia is difficulty with language. Dysgraphia is difficulty with writing. A child may have one problem, the other, or both problems.
Dysgraphia is caused by problems with processing information, organizing thoughts, and getting words written on paper. Kids with dysgraphia are likely to hate writing.
A child with dysgraphia may not even be able to think of what he wants to write. A child may be able to express himself quite well when talking. However, the child may seem unable to write at a level that reflects his thoughts.
For example: A child may talk using long sentences such as, “The Apatosaurus was a gigantic dinosaur even though it was a herbivore.” However, the child is likely to write, “The dino was big.” Writing is so difficult for the child, he’ll write as little as possible.
If your child has poor writing skills, the information and programs linked to below will help you help your child. You’ll find information about handwriting skills, paragraph writing, and other related topics.
About Dysgraphia and Writing Skills – Other Pages on this Website:
A Resource page for improving your child’s Writing Skills using special Writing Programs. (These are especially helpful if you homeschool a Child with Dysgraphia or Dyslexia).
Learning Handwriting : Options for Teaching a Child who has poor handwriting skills.
Composition Writing and paragraph writing for Kids who struggle with writing.
Improve Writing Skills in Kids with Dysgraphia.
IEP Goals for Written Expression or Composition Writing Skills.
Writing IEP Goals for Keyboarding and Copying: for Handwriting problems.
Does your child have a writing disability?.
Writing Assistive Technology for Kids with Writing Difficulties.
If you have already identified the cause of your child’s writing skills problems and just need HELP, there’s a great new book out that cuts out a lot of the theory to provide practical advice on how to help your child. Check Out Dysgraphia: Your Essential Guide