SYMPTOMS OF DYSGRAPHIA
Dyslexia creates problems in reading where dysgraphia, also known as written expression disorder, creates problems in writing. Although poor or illegible handwriting is one of the hallmark signs of dysgraphia, there is more to this learning disability than simply having bad handwriting. The National Center for Learning Disabilities indicates that writing difficulties can arise from visual-spatial difficulties and language processing difficulties, in other words how a child processes information through the eyes and ears.
Some of the main symptoms of dysgraphia include:
- Difficulty holding or gripping a pen and pencil
- Inconsistent spacing between letters, words, and sentences
- Using a mix of upper case and lower case letters and a mix of cursive and print writing
- Sloppy, illegible writing
- Tires easily when completing writing assignments
- Omitting letters or not finishing words when writing
- Inconsistent or non-existent use of grammar
Besides problems when writing, students with dysgraphia may have trouble organizing their thoughts or keeping track of the information they have already written down. They may work so hard on writing each letter that they miss the meaning of the words.
