It often begins subtly. Your child struggles to hold a spoon or fork correctly. Later, holding a pencil becomes tough, and even cutting with scissors poses challenges. While it’s normal for children to occasionally mix up letters and numbers, your child continues to do so beyond the typical age. He finds it hard to use basic punctuation and to form letters.
He might hand you papers filled with misspellings, even of simple words like “the” and “is.” Meanwhile, he reads fluently, sometimes at levels far above his peers. His writing is chaotic, with letters spilling into the margins and climbing off the lines. The struggle with spelling can bring him to tears. He feels ashamed that his writing skills don’t match those of his classmates, who can effortlessly jot down multiple sentences while he toils painfully, often misspelling words, reversing letters, and omitting punctuation.
He may express feelings of inadequacy, calling himself “stupid” and “dumb” and expressing a hatred for writing. Yet, he can retreat to his room and read a book that is well beyond his comprehension level. This is the reality for a child grappling with dysgraphia. It can be incredibly challenging.
Understanding Dysgraphia
Diagnosing dysgraphia is not straightforward; many label your child as lazy or simply lacking fine motor skills. However, dysgraphia, as defined by Understood, is “a condition that results in difficulties with written expression.” The International Dyslexia Foundation refers to it as “impaired handwriting” which can hinder both spelling and the speed of writing. Children with dysgraphia may experience only issues with handwriting, only with spelling, or both.
The emotional toll is significant, with many children feeling deep shame over what they see as their failures. Research on dysgraphia is limited, making its exact prevalence unclear. However, estimates suggest that 5–20% of students may have some writing-related difficulties. It appears that the incidence of dysgraphia decreases as children grow older.
Dysgraphia is more serious than just having “poor handwriting.” As noted by the DSF Literacy and Clinical Services, it is a neurological condition that becomes evident when children first begin to write. We didn’t realize anything was wrong with my son, who exhibited all the signs but remained undiagnosed until first grade. He was reading The BFG while still reversing letters and numbers and struggling with basic punctuation. Spelling his last name was a challenge, and sounding out simple words was illogical for him. Eventually, we recognized that this wasn’t just a matter of learning at his own pace; it was a serious issue that required intervention.
Approaches to Address Dysgraphia
There are various approaches to address dysgraphia. The International Dyslexia Foundation suggests engaging children in activities that help them learn to form letters, such as playing with clay, completing mazes, connecting dots, and copying letters from models. Once they can produce legible letters (my son is mostly there, though reversals still occur), they recommend structured instruction in letter formation and strokes. Spelling instruction is also advised, which we have recently implemented.
One method that has been repeatedly recommended is learning cursive. This style of writing reduces fine motor control requirements, ensures consistent spacing between words, and minimizes reversals, as highlighted by Judy Hanning on Learning Success. Teachers can adjust the amount of writing a child must complete without affecting the content or outcome of assignments, as suggested by LDOnline. They can modify tasks to lessen the writing load or provide assistance in writing. This might involve using specialized paper with raised lines to help keep writing contained, different writing tools, or different writing formats, such as manuscript or cursive. Allowing the use of computers equipped with spellcheck or voice-to-text software can also be beneficial. Necessary accommodations should be outlined in a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Currently, we are taking steps to support my son. He writes every day, and we review his work together, discussing any spelling errors and how he could improve. I make sure to offer plenty of praise for every correct word, even if it’s just “the.” We’ve restarted a spelling book that feels easy for me but is hopefully suitable for him.
Additionally, we’ve ordered a highly recommended cursive writing book designed for children with dysgraphia, The Rhythm of Handwriting’s Cursive Edition. Once it arrives, we’ll incorporate it into our daily routine. Balancing spelling and writing instruction adds significant time to our homeschooling efforts, but it’s essential for his development. We may also explore a basic typing class, all while we await a formal evaluation from the school district.
Looking Ahead
With the right strategies and support, children with dysgraphia can have a positive outlook, particularly when diagnosed early. While dysgraphia can co-occur with other conditions like dyslexia and ADHD (as in my son’s case), this doesn’t worsen the prognosis; it simply means that support may need to address multiple areas. Ultimately, once children reach adulthood, they are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which safeguards them against job discrimination due to their disabilities (though the specifics can be more complex).
If you suspect your child struggles with written expression, seek assistance as soon as possible. Encourage and support them through their journey. It could be a minor issue or something more significant, but either way, the right help and encouragement can be invaluable.
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Summary
Dysgraphia is a serious learning disability that affects a child’s ability to write, causing challenges in both handwriting and spelling. It’s crucial for parents to recognize the signs early and seek appropriate interventions. With the right support, children can improve their writing skills and gain confidence.