Dysgraphia – Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.’s)

Dysgraphia – Frequently Asked Questions (faqs)

We get quite a few questions from people asking about Dysgraphia and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs), so I have tried to answer some of the more common questions.

Dysgraphia and Dyslexia are often associated with the same difficulties.  Therefore, as you read further, you may notice that sometimes both are referenced.

1.  What is Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia is a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD).

2. What Causes Dysgraphia?
Most specialists consider Dysgraphia to be a hereditary genetic condition. Dysgraphia often runs in families. At the moment, the causes have not been fully established.
However, Dysgraphia can also be caused by other ways, i.e., stroke, serious head injury etc.

3. Is Dysgraphia a ‘Gift’?

Many people think Dysgraphia is a ‘gift’ because they are highly creative and are usually very good at their chosen careers. Like people with dyslexia, it is thought that people with dysgraphia may have the tenacity to succeed. Another reason may be that many dyslexics ‘think outside of the box’, and find it easier to ‘lead’ rather than work in a particular manner.
(Dysgraphia is remarkably like Dyslexia.)

4. How Many Self-Made People are Millionaires?

¹Dyslexia ‘can be route to riches’
Self-made millionaires are four times more likely to suffer from dyslexia than the rest of the population, a study has revealed.

Psychologists found that 40 per cent of the businessmen and women they studied were diagnosed with the learning difficulty.
by Charlotte Gill, Daily Mail
¹Dyslexia ‘can be route to riches’ | Daily Mail Online

5. Do People from other Countries have Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia occurs in all races, backgrounds, and abilities.

6. What are the Symptoms of Dysgraphia?

People with Dysgraphia often have phonological difficulties (i.e., they find it difficult to sort out sounds within words). This means they can have problems with reading, writing, spelling, number work, short-term memory, hand control and visual processing. Timekeeping, sense of direction and interpersonal skills can also be affected. For a fuller description, go to the ‘Indicators of Dysgraphia List’.

6. Is Dysgraphia an Illness?

Dysgraphia is not an illness but a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD).

7. Is Dysgraphia a Disease?

Dysgraphia is not a disease; it is a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD).

8. Is Dysgraphia considered a Disability?

Dysgraphia is a Registered Disability under the Equality Act (2010). You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment with a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

9. Is Dysgraphia a Learning Disability?

Dysgraphia is recognised as a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD).

10.  Is Dysgraphia Hereditary?

Most specialists consider Dysgraphia to be a hereditary, genetic condition. Like Dyslexia, Dysgraphia often runs in families.

11. How many People have Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia affects approximately 5% of the population, although I have heard of figures up to 20%.  A lot more research needs to be carried out before we have a more accurate number.

12. Does Dysgraphia affect Men and Women equally?

There is little research to indicate one way or another. People are carrying out studies at this time.

13.  Do People with Dysgraphia have Average Intelligence?

People with Dysgraphia, like people with Dyslexia, are often of high or above-average intelligence. These difficulties often result in incredible frustration, bearing in mind that people with dyslexia usually have high or above-average intelligence.

14.  If I think I have Dysgraphia, what symptoms should I look for?

Look at the signs for Dysgraphia on the Dysgraphia Indicators.
You can also go online and try one of the free Dysgraphia online tests.

15.  Can I get a test for Dysgraphia?

You can get a full educational psychologist test for Dysgraphia.

Do People from other Countries have Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia occurs in all races, backgrounds, and abilities.