Dysgraphia Symptoms / Checklist for Adults

For ease of reading, s/he and their should be transposed when appropriate.

Some of the problems listed below may indicate you have dysgraphia. You do not need to have all of these problems.

Do you:

• Have a family history of dyslexia, Handwriting Problems or ADHD?
• Remember having problems at school and constantly being told you must care more about writing?
• Have sloppy handwriting?
• Problem understanding what is required of you?

Have problems with reading and:

• Does it take you a long time to read?
• Do you have to re-read the same piece several times?
• Do you keep losing your place?
• Do you miss the endings of words?
• Do you read correctly but do not understand what you are reading?

Dysgraphia: When writing, do you:

• Take a long time to write anything?
• Have an awkward pen/pencil grip?
• Sit awkwardly at the desk?
• Have times when you cannot read your writing?
• Keep crossing work out?
• Produce illegible work?
• Keep stopping and starting over again because you cannot seem to organise what you want to say in your head?
• Make lots of mistakes when spelling?
• Have good days and bad days with spelling?
• Have poor punctuation?
• Deviate away from the margin?
• Reverse letters or leave them out?
• Find it very difficult to organise your thoughts on paper.
• Find it challenging to take notes?

When filling forms in, do you

• Have difficulty keeping inside the small boxes on forms?
• Have difficulty completing application forms, timesheets, etc.?
• Panic when you are given a form to fill in at the doctor, on an aeroplane or anywhere.
• Feel embarrassed at not being able to complete the form?

Sequencing – Do you have problems with

• Left and right?
• Reading maps and directions?
• Telling the time?
• Time management?
• Arriving at appointments on time?
• Using a dictionary or telephone directory because you can’t sequence, i.e., read/say the alphabet correctly?

Dysgraphia: With Numbers, do you have problems with:

• Mental arithmetic?
• Reversing numbers or leaving them out?
• Repeating numbers backwards, i.e., 863, 368?
• Adding numbers in your head?
• Working out your change in a shop?
• Getting to work on time.

Dysgraphia: Fine Motor Skills. Do you have problems with:

• Fine motor skills (using your fingers to pick up small things, like buttons, sequins, drawing pins, etc.)
• Completing mazes?
• Completing puzzles?
• Colouring or staying in the lines?
• Using scissors?

Dysgraphia: With food, do you:

• Have difficulties cutting up food?
• Have trouble holding and using a knife and fork?
• Have problems opening jars and cartons?
• Frequently spill your drinks?
• Have problems undoing bags, boxes and opening jars?
• Have issues standing for long periods?

Dysgraphia: When dressing, do you:

• Have difficulties doing up buttons, zips, etc.?
• Putting on tights or socks?
• Tying up laces on shoes?
• Putting earrings and other jewellery on?

The earlier you are diagnosed, the quicker you will succeed!

The earlier dysgraphia is diagnosed, the easier it is to ensure you receive the proper support at education establishments and your workplace. Dysgraphia cannot be cured but can be helped with occupational therapy, using aids, equipment and strengthening the muscles in the hand and fingers.

Please remember that everyone is different, and we are all individuals and vary tremendously. An Educational Psychologist and some other specialists can diagnose someone with dysgraphia.

This list is a guide only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice.

If you are concerned, seek professional advice as early as possible.

Maria Chivers – Sept 2023
www.dyslexiaa2z.com